Akari VB‑13P by Isamu Noguchi

The Akari VB‑13C pendant light by Isamu Noguchi is a sculptural masterpiece of Japanese design. The Akari VB‑13C has a distinctive, asymmetrical oval form that feels both sculptural and organic. Rather than being a perfect sphere or simple drum shade, it’s gently elongated along one axis, giving it a slightly “horn-like” profile. Handcrafted from delicate washi paper stretched over a bamboo frame, it casts a soft, ambient glow, filling any space with warmth. Lightweight yet visually striking, this lamp is both a functional light source and a timeless piece of art, perfect for modern and traditional interiors alike.

L 15 in (38 cm)

H 21.6 in (55 cm)

*The ceiling lamp includes the shade only; you can easily find the lighting cord at any local lighting store, based on your preference.

About the Artist

Isamu Noguchi (1904–1988) was a Japanese-American artist and designer celebrated for his sculpture, architecture, and lighting designs. Born in Los Angeles and raised between Japan and the United States, Noguchi studied under modernist influences while maintaining a deep appreciation for Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship.

He began designing his iconic Akari light sculptures in the early 1950s, combining traditional washi paper and bamboo with modernist forms to create functional art that blurs the line between sculpture and lighting. Noguchi’s work is renowned for its minimal elegance, organic forms, and the poetic interplay of light and shadow, making his pieces timeless icons of 20th-century design.