Items Similar to Early and Rare 40D Akari Pendant by Isamu Noguchi for Ozeki, 1950s
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 8
Early and Rare 40D Akari Pendant by Isamu Noguchi for Ozeki, 1950s
$4,802.21
£3,516.18
€4,000
CA$6,520.69
A$7,309.64
CHF 3,811.81
MX$89,598.32
NOK 48,302.04
SEK 45,922.27
DKK 30,442.08
Shipping
Retrieving quote...The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation
About the Item
Early 40D Akari lamp in excellent condition.
Designed by Isamu Noguchi in 1951 Produced by Ozeki & Co., Ltd.
New old stock.
Model 40D is a globe shaped pendant in the Akari series.
This example features the earliest manufacturer's mark, a red sun and half-moon insignia.
The lamp is made out of Japanese washi paper, bamboo and metal.
In 1951 Isamu Noguchi visited the town of Gifu, Japan, known for its manufacture of lanterns and umbrellas from mulberry bark paper and bamboo. Noguchi designed the first of his lamps that would be produced by the traditional Gifu methods of construction. He called these works Akari, a term meaning light as illumination, but also implying the idea of weightlessness. The fabrication of Akari in Japan at Ozeki & Co. since 1951 followed the traditional methods for Japanese Gifu lanterns. Each Akari was handcrafted beginning with the making of washi paper from the inner bark of the mulberry tree. Bamboo ribbing was stretched across sculptural molded wood forms. The washi paper was cut into strips and glued onto both sides of the framework. Once the glue had dried and the shape had set, the internal wooden form was disassembled and removed. The outcome was a resilient paper form, which could be collapsed for packing. With the warm glow of light cast through handmade paper on a bamboo frame, Isamu Noguchi utilized traditional Japanese materials to bring modern design to the home. Like the beauty of falling leaves and the cherry blossom, Noguchi wrote, Akari are “poetic, ephemeral, and tentative.” And he was fond of saying, “All that you require to start a home are a room, a tatami, and Akari.”
References: Mangiarotti, Space Age, Midcentury Design, Postwar, Sixties, Seventies, 60s, 70s, Verner Panton, Joe Colombo, Pierre Paulin, Tobia Scarpa, Osvaldo Borsani, Eero Saarinen, Eero Aarnio, Alvar Aalto, Alessandro Mendini, Gruppo 55, Artifort, Fritz Hanssen, Gavina, Pierre Chapo, Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier, Zalszupin
- Creator:Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1 (Manufacturer),Isamu Noguchi (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 15.75 in (40 cm)Diameter: 15.75 in (40 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Echt, NL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1805337236432
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.
About the Seller
4.8
Gold Seller
Premium sellers maintaining a 4.3+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2012
1stDibs seller since 2016
341 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 5 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Echt, Netherlands
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllEarly and Rare 30D Akari Pendant by Isamu Noguchi for Ozeki, 1950s
By Isamu Noguchi, Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1
Located in Echt, NL
Early 30D Akari lamp in excellent condition.
Designed by Isamu Noguchi in 1951 Produced by Ozeki & Co., Ltd.
New old stock, 4 items available!
Model 30D is a globe shaped pendant in the Akari series.
This example features the earliest manufacturer's mark, a red sun and half-moon insignia.
The lamp is made out of Japanese washi paper, bamboo and metal.
In 1951 Isamu Noguchi visited the town of Gifu, Japan, known for its manufacture of lanterns and umbrellas from mulberry bark paper and bamboo. Noguchi designed the first of his lamps that would be produced by the traditional Gifu methods of construction. He called these works Akari, a term meaning light as illumination, but also implying the idea of weightlessness. The fabrication of Akari in Japan at Ozeki & Co. since 1951 followed the traditional methods for Japanese Gifu lanterns...
Category
20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Early and Rare 45XL Akari Pendant by Isamu Noguchi for Ozeki, 1950s
By Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1, Isamu Noguchi
Located in Echt, NL
Early 45XL Akari lamp in excellent condition.
Designed by Isamu Noguchi in 1951
Produced by Ozeki & Co., Ltd.
New old stock, 4 items available!
Model 45XL is a square shaped pendant in the Akari series.
This example features the earliest manufacturer's mark, a red sun and half-moon insignia.
The lamp is made out of Japanese washi paper, bamboo and metal.
In 1951 Isamu Noguchi visited the town of Gifu, Japan, known for its manufacture of lanterns and umbrellas from mulberry bark paper and bamboo. Noguchi designed the first of his lamps that would be produced by the traditional Gifu methods of construction. He called these works Akari, a term meaning light as illumination, but also implying the IDEA of weightlessness. The fabrication of Akari in Japan at Ozeki & Co. since 1951 followed the traditional methods for Japanese Gifu lanterns...
Category
20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Large Early 31N Akari Pendant by Isamu Noguchi for Ozeki, 1950s
By Isamu Noguchi, Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1
Located in Echt, NL
Early Large 31N Akari lamp in excellent condition.
Designed by Isamu Noguchi in 1951
Produced by Ozeki & Co., Ltd.
New old stock!
Model 31N is a large round shaped pendant in the Akari series, This example features the earliest manufacturer's mark, a red sun and half-moon insignia.
The lamp is made out of Japanese washi paper, bamboo and metal.
In 1951 Isamu Noguchi visited the town of Gifu, Japan, known for its manufacture of lanterns and umbrellas from mulberry bark paper and bamboo. Noguchi designed the first of his lamps that would be produced by the traditional Gifu methods of construction. He called these works Akari, a term meaning light as illumination, but also implying the idea of weightlessness. The fabrication of Akari in Japan at Ozeki & Co. since 1951 followed the traditional methods for Japanese Gifu lanterns...
Category
20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Large Early J1 Akari Pendant by Isamu Noguchi for Ozeki, 1950s
By Isamu Noguchi, Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1
Located in Echt, NL
Early Large J! Akari lamp in excellent condition.
Designed by Isamu Noguchi in 1951 Produced by Ozeki & Co., Ltd.
New old stock!
Model J1 is a large square shaped pendant in the Akari series, This example features the earliest manufacturer's mark, a red sun and half-moon insignia. The lamp is made out of Japanese washi paper, bamboo and metal.
In 1951 Isamu Noguchi visited the town of Gifu, Japan, known for its manufacture of lanterns and umbrellas from mulberry bark paper and bamboo. Noguchi designed the first of his lamps that would be produced by the traditional Gifu methods of construction. He called these works Akari, a term meaning light as illumination, but also implying the idea of weightlessness. The fabrication of Akari in Japan at Ozeki & Co. since 1951 followed the traditional methods for Japanese Gifu lanterns...
Category
20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Large Early Model K Akari Pendant by Isamu Noguchi for Ozeki, 1950s
By Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1, Isamu Noguchi
Located in Echt, NL
Early Large Model K Akari lamp in excellent condition.
Designed by Isamu Noguchi in 1951 Produced by Ozeki & Co., Ltd.
New old stock!
Model K is a large diamond shaped pendant in the Akari series, This example features the earliest manufacturer's mark, a red sun and half-moon insignia. The lamp is made out of Japanese washi paper, bamboo and metal.
We offer a variety of insured shipping services, ask us for the possibilities and competitive pricing.
If you have any questions about our shipping options or this item please feel free to contact us.
In 1951 Isamu Noguchi visited the town of Gifu, Japan, known for its manufacture of lanterns and umbrellas from mulberry bark paper and bamboo. Noguchi designed the first of his lamps that would be produced by the traditional Gifu methods of construction. He called these works Akari, a term meaning light as illumination, but also implying the idea of weightlessness. The fabrication of Akari in Japan at Ozeki & Co. since 1951 followed the traditional methods for Japanese Gifu lanterns...
Category
20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Rare Early 1A Akari Table Lamp by Isamu Noguchi for Ozeki, 1952
Located in Echt, NL
Early 1A Akari table lamp in excellent condition.
Designed by Isamu Noguchi in 1951 Produced by Ozeki & Co., Ltd.
New old stock, original packaging.
Model 1A is a table lamp with a metal frame and an oval shaped shade from the Akari series.
This example features the earliest manufacturer's mark, a red sun and half-moon insignia.
The lamp is made out of Japanese washi paper, bamboo and metal.
In 1951 Isamu Noguchi visited the town of Gifu, Japan, known for its manufacture of lanterns and umbrellas from mulberry bark paper and bamboo. Noguchi designed the first of his lamps that would be produced by the traditional Gifu methods of construction. He called these works Akari, a term meaning light as illumination, but also implying the IDEA of weightlessness. The fabrication of Akari in Japan at Ozeki & Co. since 1951 followed the traditional methods for Japanese Gifu lanterns...
Category
Mid-20th Century Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
You May Also Like
Midcentury Isamu Noguchi Nos "30D" Pendant Produced by Ozeki & Co, Japan, 1950s
By Isamu Noguchi, Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Akari ceiling lamp pendant model "30D" by Isamu Noguchi in washi paper and bamboo by Isamu Noguchi produced by Ozeki & Co, Japan early 1980s. In great original and unused condit...
Category
Vintage 1980s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Bamboo, Paper
Early Rare Isamu Noguchi 30A Akari Light Sculpture, Ozeki 1951
By Isamu Noguchi, Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1
Located in Mortsel, BE
Introducing the Akari Light Sculpture Model 30A by Isamu Noguchi, a rare gem from 1951 meticulously crafted in the renowned Ozeki factory. This piece stands as one of the earliest pr...
Category
Vintage 1950s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Isamu Noguchi Pendant Lamp Model 40DL: A Symphony of Light and Tradition
By Isamu Noguchi
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Introduce an exquisite blend of tradition and contemporary design to your space with the Isamu Noguchi Pendant Lamp Model 40DL. Meticulously desig...
Category
1990s Japanese Mid-Century Modern More Lighting
Materials
Metal
Unused Isamu Noguchi "30D" Paper Ceiling Lamp Pendant by Ozeki & Co Japan, 1980s
By Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1, Isamu Noguchi
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and unused mid century paper ceiling lamp pendant by Isamu Noguchi produced in by Ozeki & Co, Japan early 1980s. Unused and in NOS condition. ...
Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Bamboo, Paper
Isamu Noguchi Akari 120F, Ozeki, designed 1951
By Isamu Noguchi
Located in Grenoble, FR
Akari model “120F” by Isamu Noguchi.
Original shade in washi & bamboo rims with structure in black lacquered metal. Hand-made form realized by Ozeki Company Japan.
Series started...
Category
Mid-20th Century Asian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Bamboo
Isamu Noguchi Akari Light Sculpture, Model 50EN Ceiling Lamp
By Isamu Noguchi
Located in Centreville, VA
Akari Light Sculptures by Isamu Noguchi are considered icons of 1950s modern design. Designed by Noguchi beginning in 1951 and handmade for a half century by the original manufacture...
Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Bamboo, Paper
Read More
A New Exhibition Spotlights the Nuance of 1940s Art and Design
Works by a range of designers and artists prove that the constraints of the time didn't stifle creativity.
How Noguchi Elevated Ashtrays to Objets d’Art
Smoking might have fallen out of fashion, but these ashtrays have enduring design appeal.
More Ways To Browse
Isamu Naguchi
1950s Noguchi
Japanese Paper Lantern
Paper Globe Light
Umbrella Hall Tree
Used Cherry Wood Dining Room Set
Paulin Lamp
60s Japanese Furniture
Bamboo Hall Tree
Bamboo Globe
Japanese Tree Bark
Japanese Wood Lantern
Cherry Pendant Lamp
Japanese Tatami
Japanese Metal Lantern
Sun Moon Pendant
Cherry Blossom Lamps
Noguchi Pendant Lamp