Large Early 31N Akari Pendant by Isamu Noguchi for Ozeki, 1950s
About the Item
- Creator:Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1 (Manufacturer),Isamu Noguchi (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 55.91 in (142 cm)Diameter: 11.03 in (28 cm)
- Voltage:220-240v,110-150v
- 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: LU1805337227632
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Echt, Netherlands
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Large Early J1 Akari Pendant by Isamu Noguchi for Ozeki, 1950sBy Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1, Isamu NoguchiLocated in Echt, NLEarly 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
MaterialsMetal
- Large Early Model K Akari Pendant by Isamu Noguchi for Ozeki, 1950sBy Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1, Isamu NoguchiLocated in Echt, NLEarly 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
MaterialsMetal
- Early and Rare 30D Akari Pendant by Isamu Noguchi for Ozeki, 1950sBy Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1, Isamu NoguchiLocated in Echt, NLEarly 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
MaterialsMetal
- Early and Rare 40D Akari Pendant by Isamu Noguchi for Ozeki, 1950sBy Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1, Isamu NoguchiLocated in Echt, NLEarly 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...Category
20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMetal
- Early and Rare 45XL Akari Pendant by Isamu Noguchi for Ozeki, 1950sBy Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1, Isamu NoguchiLocated in Echt, NLEarly 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
MaterialsMetal
- Rare Early 10D Akari Floor Lamp by Isamu Noguchi for Ozeki, 1950sBy Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1, Isamu NoguchiLocated in Echt, NLEarly important 10D Akari lamp in excellent condition. Designed by Isamu Noguchi in 1951 Produced by Ozeki & Co., Ltd. New old stock! Model 10D is a floor 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
20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsMetal
- Isamu Noguchi Akari 31N, Ozeki, 1951By Isamu NoguchiLocated in Lille, Hauts-de-FranceAkari model “31N” by Isamu Noguchi Light sculptural column Original shade in washi & bamboo rims Tie in black lacquered metal Hand-made form rea...Category
Vintage 1950s Japanese Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMetal
- Isamu Noguchi Akari Ceiling Lamp 31NBy Isamu NoguchiLocated in Barcelona, BarcelonaPendant lamp model 31N designed by Isamu Noguchi. Manufactured by Ozeki & Company Ltd. (Japan.) Bamboo ribbing structure covered by washi paper manufactured according to the tradit...Category
1990s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMetal
- Early Midcentury Isamu Noguchi "S" Pendant Produced by Ozeki & Co, Japan, 1950sBy Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1, Isamu NoguchiLocated in Stockholm, SEEarly and very rare floor lamp model "S" designed by Isamu Noguchi and produced by Ozeki & Co, Japan in the 1950s. In great original condition with patina from age and use. Made out ...Category
Vintage 1950s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsBamboo, Paper
- Early Rare Isamu Noguchi 30A Akari Light Sculpture, Ozeki 1951By Isamu Noguchi, Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1Located in Mortsel, BEIntroducing 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
MaterialsMetal
- Isamu Noguchi Akari 31NW, Ozeki, 1951By Isamu NoguchiLocated in Lille, Hauts-de-FranceAkari model “31NW” by Isamu Noguchi Light sculptural column Original shade in washi & bamboo rims Tie in black lacquered metal Hand-made form realized by Ozeki Company, Gifu, Jap...Category
Vintage 1950s Japanese Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMetal
- Early Rare Isamu Noguchi Akari "L", Ozeki, 1951, 1st EditionBy Isamu Noguchi, Ozeki & Co. Ltd. 1Located in Mortsel, BEIntroducing the iconic "Akari" Lamp model "L" designed by the legendary Isamu Noguchi. This particular lamp holds special significance as it is a first edition produced by the esteem...Category
Vintage 1950s Japanese Minimalist Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsBamboo, Paper
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.