Akari — Japanese for light. A tall, hand-bonded paper sculpture inspired by the fishing lanterns of Gifu, Japan.

The Akari UF4-33N is a hallmark of mid-20th-century Japanese-American design, drawing directly from the traditional fishing lanterns of Gifu, Japan — the original bamboo-and-paper lanterns used by fishermen along the Nagara River. Created by a pioneering American-Japanese artist in 1951, the Akari pairs a slender iron rib frame with a hand-pasted mulberry paper shade, softening the bulb into an even, ethereal glow. Named "Akari" — the Japanese word for light — the piece honours both literal illumination and a sense of weightless lightness. The UF4-33N is the tallest model in the Akari range, at 190 cm of soaring paper-and-wood presence.

• Unbox with care — because of its height (190 cm), the UF4-33N ships in an elongated box. Assembly is floor-up: set the base down first, then slide the iron rib frame over the base, followed by the mulberry paper shade.
• Install an E26 or E27 bulb (sold separately). A warm white LED bulb (2700K–3000K) gives the most flattering, honeyed glow through the mulberry paper shade. Low-wattage LEDs (5–8 W) are recommended to keep heat output low.
• Plug into a standard wall outlet. The 150 cm cord includes an inline on/off switch for easy reach from a sofa or reading corner.
• When replacing the bulb, unplug the lamp and let the bulb cool completely. Handle the paper shade with clean, dry hands — never press or rub against the paper, as the shape is maintained by wire tension.

Wiring Guide — Inside the Socket

To ensure correct operation, connect the wires as follows: the ● Black wire to hole number 2, and the ○ White wire to hole number 3.

Click to enlarge