Collection of Five Light Sculptures by Isamu Noguchi for Akari
View Similar Items
Collection of Five Light Sculptures by Isamu Noguchi for Akari
About the Item
- Creator:Isamu Noguchi (Designer),Akari (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 14 in (35.56 cm)Diameter: 14 in (35.56 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Rewired. E26 40w maximum bulbs.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU79474557373
Isamu Noguchi
A sculptor, painter, ceramicist and furniture and lighting designer, Isamu Noguchi was one of the most prolific and protean creative forces of the 20th century and a key figure in the development of organic modernism. Noguchi’s sculptures and designs — his chairs and tables as well as his timeless Akari lamp and other lighting fixtures — share a common spirit: one of lyrical abstraction, tempo and flow and harmonious balance.
Noguchi was born in Los Angeles to an American mother and Japanese father, and spent most of his childhood in Japan. He returned to the United States at age 13, went to high school in Indiana and enrolled at Columbia University to study medicine. At the same time, he took night courses in sculpture.
Within three months, Noguchi left college to pursue art full time. Noguchi was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1927 and traveled to Paris to work under Constantin Brancusi. It marked a turning point. Inspired by Brancusi, Noguchi embraced abstraction and began to sculpt in the expressive, rhythmic style that would be the hallmark of his work.
Once back in New York, Noguchi was introduced to design by what would become a lifelong collaboration creating sets for choreographer Martha Graham. His first industrial designs were in Bakelite: the sleek Measured Time kitchen timer created circa 1932, and his famed Zenith Radio Nurse intercom, from 1937.
Ten years later, Herman Miller introduced Noguchi’s now-iconic glass-topped coffee table with an articulated wooden base. His washi paper and bamboo Akari light sculptures, handmade in Japan, debuted in 1951. In the late 1950s, Noguchi designed for Knoll, creating such pieces as his dynamic Cyclone table and rocking stool.
For collectors, Noguchi’s furniture and lighting designs remain his most accessible work — they have the same power and presence that Noguchi brought to his art.
Find vintage Isamu Noguchi floor lamps, table lamps, coffee tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
- Ceiling Light by Paolo Caliari for VeniniBy Paolo Caliari, VeniniLocated in Los Angeles, CACeiling light by Paolo Caliari for Venini. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa the 1960s. Striking Venini pendant with an exterior mauve colored murano glass shade, encompassin...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsBrass
- Ceiling Light by Sergio Asti for KartellBy Kartell, Sergio AstiLocated in Los Angeles, CACeiling Light by Sergio Asti for Kartell. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa 1960. White acrylic suspension lamp with bell shaped shade and brass detailing. The lamp holds one...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsBrass, Steel
- Ceiling Light by Paolo Caliari for VeniniBy Paolo Caliari, VeniniLocated in Los Angeles, CACeiling light by Paolo Caliari for Venini. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa the 1960s. Striking Venini pendant with an exterior mauve colored murano glass shade, encompassin...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsBrass
- Single Ceiling Light by Caccia Dominioni for AzucenaBy Luigi Caccia Dominioni, AzucenaLocated in Los Angeles, CASingle Pendant by Caccia Dominioni for Azucena. Designed and manufactured in Italy circa the 1950s. White sandblasted cylinders are suspended by brass chain. Original canopies paired...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsSteel, Brass
- Collection of Spirali Lights by Angelo MangiarottiBy Angelo MangiarottiLocated in Los Angeles, CAChromed steel spiral pendants by Angelo Mangiarotti. Each light has a single E27 socket type, adapted for US standards. Recommended 40-60w max or LED equivalent. See listing image for sizes and inquire with Rewire on availability upon purchasing. Literature: Fulvio Ferrari...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsSteel, Chrome
$3,500 / item - Cetra Ceiling Light by Vico Magistretti for ArtemideBy Artemide, Vico MagistrettiLocated in Los Angeles, CA"Cetra" ceiling light by Vico Magistretti for Artemide. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa 1960. Brushed nickel plated metal, opaline glass diffuser, and original canopy. Wire...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsNickel, Brass
- Monumental Akari Model 70F Light Sculpture by Isamu NoguchiBy Akari, Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1, Isamu NoguchiLocated in Glendale, CAMonumental Akari model 70F light sculpture by Isamu Noguchi. The shade is made from handmade washi paper and bamboo ribs with original Noguchi Akari manufactu...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers an...
MaterialsMetal
- Akari Light Sculpture 30A Isamu NoguchiBy Isamu NoguchiLocated in Venezia, VENETOThis iconical Isamu Noguchi Akari Lamp Sculpture 30A is a small pendant lamp executed in handmade washi paper, bamboo ribs and a structure in black lacquered metal. Akari light sc...Category
2010s Japanese Post-Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMetal
- Isamu Noguchi Akari 16A Light SculptureBy Isamu NoguchiLocated in Dronten, NLAkari 16A pendant designed by Isamu Noguchi, 1951. Manufactured by Ozeki & Co. in Japan. Bambu structure covered by washi paper. Wired for U.S. standards. ...Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsBamboo, Paper
- Akari Model 3A Light Sculpture by Isamu NoguchiBy Akari, Isamu NoguchiLocated in Glendale, CAAkari model 3A light sculpture by Isamu Noguchii. The shade is made from handmade washi paper, wood and bamboo ribs with authentic Noguchi Akari manufacturer's stamp. Akari light scu...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsMetal
- Akari Model 9A Light Sculpture by Isamu NoguchiBy Akari, Isamu NoguchiLocated in Glendale, CAAkari model 9A light sculpture by Isamu Noguchii. The shade is made from handmade washi paper, wood and bamboo ribs with authentic Noguchi Akari manufacturer's stamp. Akari light scu...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsMetal
- Akari Model 20n Light Sculpture by Isamu NoguchiBy Akari, Isamu NoguchiLocated in Glendale, CAAkari Model 20N light sculpture by Isamu Noguchi. The shade is made from handmade washi paper and bamboo ribs with Noguchi Akari manufacturer's stamp. ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsMetal
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How Noguchi Elevated Ashtrays to Objets d’Art
Smoking might have fallen out of fashion, but these ashtrays have enduring design appeal.
Daniel Rozensztroch Can’t Live with Enough Beautifully Useful Objects
The French designer, stylist and creative director offers an inside look at the cabinets of curiosities he calls home in Paris and Nice.