Vitra Akari 33N Suspension Light
Manufacturer: Vitra | Designer: Isamu Noguchi, 1951
The Akari 33N is a large suspension light of exceptional presence. Its generous washi paper shade produces a broad, enveloping warmth — commanding enough to anchor a double-height space or an open-plan interior, yet light enough to feel effortless. Designed by Isamu Noguchi in 1951, it is one of the most architecturally significant pendants in the Akari Light Sculptures series.
Each Akari luminaire is meticulously handcrafted at the Ozeki workshop, a traditional family-run company based in Gifu, Japan. Bamboo rods are stretched across Noguchi’s original wooden forms to create the framework, before strips of washi paper — derived from the bark of the mulberry tree — are glued to the bamboo ribbing. Once dry, the wooden form is removed and the shade folded into its final shape. Every piece carries a stylised sun-and-moon logo as a guarantee of authenticity.
Specifications
- Dimensions — W47 × D47 × H160cm
- Cable — 220cm
- Shade — Handcrafted washi paper over bamboo ribbing
- Structure — Bamboo and steel wire
- Light source — E27, max. 12W (not supplied; 4W LED recommended)
- Collection — Vitra Design Museum Collection
Part of the Vitra Akari collection and the Pendant Lights collection.
Manufacturer: Vitra | Designer: Isamu Noguchi, 1951
The Akari 33N is a large suspension light of exceptional presence. Its generous washi paper shade produces a broad, enveloping warmth — commanding enough to anchor a double-height space or an open-plan interior, yet light enough to feel effortless. Designed by Isamu Noguchi in 1951, it is one of the most architecturally significant pendants in the Akari Light Sculptures series.
Each Akari luminaire is meticulously handcrafted at the Ozeki workshop, a traditional family-run company based in Gifu, Japan. Bamboo rods are stretched across Noguchi’s original wooden forms to create the framework, before strips of washi paper — derived from the bark of the mulberry tree — are glued to the bamboo ribbing. Once dry, the wooden form is removed and the shade folded into its final shape. Every piece carries a stylised sun-and-moon logo as a guarantee of authenticity.
Specifications
- Dimensions — W47 × D47 × H160cm
- Cable — 220cm
- Shade — Handcrafted washi paper over bamboo ribbing
- Structure — Bamboo and steel wire
- Light source — E27, max. 12W (not supplied; 4W LED recommended)
- Collection — Vitra Design Museum Collection
Part of the Vitra Akari collection and the Pendant Lights collection.
Description
Manufacturer: Vitra | Designer: Isamu Noguchi, 1951
The Akari 33N is a large suspension light of exceptional presence. Its generous washi paper shade produces a broad, enveloping warmth — commanding enough to anchor a double-height space or an open-plan interior, yet light enough to feel effortless. Designed by Isamu Noguchi in 1951, it is one of the most architecturally significant pendants in the Akari Light Sculptures series.
Each Akari luminaire is meticulously handcrafted at the Ozeki workshop, a traditional family-run company based in Gifu, Japan. Bamboo rods are stretched across Noguchi’s original wooden forms to create the framework, before strips of washi paper — derived from the bark of the mulberry tree — are glued to the bamboo ribbing. Once dry, the wooden form is removed and the shade folded into its final shape. Every piece carries a stylised sun-and-moon logo as a guarantee of authenticity.
Specifications
- Dimensions — W47 × D47 × H160cm
- Cable — 220cm
- Shade — Handcrafted washi paper over bamboo ribbing
- Structure — Bamboo and steel wire
- Light source — E27, max. 12W (not supplied; 4W LED recommended)
- Collection — Vitra Design Museum Collection
Part of the Vitra Akari collection and the Pendant Lights collection.
