A chance encounter with traditional Japanese lanterns sparked the creation of one of the world's most celebrated lighting collections. In 1951, Japanese-American artist and designer Isamu Noguchi visited the town of Gifu, Japan, where he witnessed the enchanting sight of traditional paper lanterns illuminating boats during a night of cormorant fishing on the Nagara River.

At the time, Gifu's centuries-old lantern-making industry was struggling, and the town's mayor invited Noguchi to help breathe new life into the craft. Inspired by the beauty of the lanterns, Noguchi began experimenting with their traditional construction, replacing candlelight with electricity and transforming familiar forms into extraordinary sculptures of light.

The result was the Akari Light Sculptures, a beautiful expression of the harmony between art, design and everyday life. Still handcrafted in Gifu today by skilled artisans at the Ozeki workshop, each lamp is made from delicate washi paper stretched over a bamboo framework, creating a soft, warm glow that transforms the atmosphere of a room.

The name Akari means both 'light' and 'lightness' in Japanese, perfectly capturing the ethereal quality of these sculptural forms. From playful, organic table lamps to dramatic pendants and floor sculptures, the collection has grown to include over 100 designs. More than just lighting,