akari lamp

Gifu lantern craft has existed for over 400 years in Gifu, Japan. Isamu Noguchi's Modern Akari lamps continue the tradition of light-making objects, that create beautiful atmospheres. What drew me to this style of craft is the simplicity in form and material, allowing the interaction between the light and paper to be emphasised. I sourced washi rice paper and thin bamboo cane, before crafting my own collapsable form from mdf. I then carefully wound and pinned the cane to the form. I cut and applied sections of paper to each segment of the form, trimming it with a razor blade. I then devised a simple prop system to support the form, and hung a lightbulb from it with thread.