In 1951, the Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi created the Akari Light Sculptures, a collection of completely unique handcrafted lighting fixtures. Published by Vitra, these paper sculptures are part of the designer's already diverse oeuvre, which ranges from furniture to the design of spaces of all kinds.
In addition to material and form, Noguchi's sculptural style takes into account the harmony produced by each piece and the space it occupies, and this has had a lasting influence on design since the 1950s.
The Vitra Akari lamps - a Japanese term meaning clarity or light - evoke a certain feeling of lightness and delicacy, just like the handmade paper parasols or lanterns that inspired their design.
Each of the lights including Akari 3A is handmade: the lamp's framework is obtained by stretching bamboo rods, wrapped in thin strips of washi paper glued to the structure. The body of the floor lamps and table lamps rests on an elegant painted steel base.
Founded in 1950 by Willi and Erika Fehlbaum, Vitra is an iconic brand of Swiss designer furniture, renowned for its iconic chairs, exceptional armchairs, and contemporary tables. Located near Basel, Switzerland, the company has established itself as a key player in international design through collaborations with renowned designers such as Charles & Ray Eames, Verner Panton, Antonio Citterio, Alexander Girard, and the Bouroullec brothers.