Isamu Noguchi floor lamp

A very rare Akari floor lamp designed by Isamu Noguchi and produced by Ozeki & Co. Ltd during the 1950s. This example belongs to Noguchi’s celebrated Akari series, in which traditional Japanese craftsmanship is combined with modernist sculptural principles, resulting in lighting objects that function equally as illumination and spatial composition.

The lamp is composed of a slender vertical structure in bamboo, articulated in segments and accented with darkened connection details. It rises from a compact, rounded base in black lacquered metal, providing a stable and visually grounding counterpoint to the lightness of the upper structure. The shade is formed as a wide, conical volume in handmade washi paper, stretched over a delicate internal frame. Its surface displays a warm, mottled orange tone with visible fibrous texture, characteristic of traditional paper-making techniques.

When illuminated, the shade emits a soft, diffused glow, emphasizing the organic irregularities of the paper and creating a gentle ambient light. The pull-switch is discreetly integrated beneath the shade, maintaining the clean verticality of the design. The overall composition reflects Noguchi’s philosophy of “light as sculpture” where material, form, and illumination are inseparable.

With a diameter of 66 cm (25.98 in) and a height of 166 cm (65.35 in), the lamp has a commanding yet lightweight presence.

The lamp is in good vintage condition with minor signs of age and use, including subtle wear to the base and natural patina to the bamboo elements.