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Akari UF3-Q Floor Lamp
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Size:
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Akari UF3-Q
Floor Luminaire · Mulberry Paper & Iron
01 Overview Light, Named
Akari — the Japanese word for light. UF3-Q is the tall floor expression of that idea: a sculpture that illuminates, a lantern that weighs almost nothing.
Drawing inspiration from the bamboo-and-paper lanterns of Gifu, a centuries-old fishing village still known for its washi paper craft, UF3-Q was first imagined in 1951 by a pioneering American-Japanese artist. Hand-pasted mulberry paper is stretched across a slender iron and wood frame, forming a single tall lantern that stands 145 cm above the floor. When lit, the paper itself becomes the source — soft, warm, and perfectly diffused, with no visible bulb glare. UF3-Q reads less as a lighting fixture and more as a piece of sculpture that happens to glow.
A Modernist Classic · 1951
A faithful representation of a paper-and-frame floor lantern first designed in 1951 by a pioneering American-Japanese artist, drawing inspiration from the bamboo-and-paper lanterns of Gifu, Japan — a centuries-old fishing village still known for its mulberry paper craft.
02 Frame & Shade Two Materials, One Form
Element 01
Iron Frame
Slender ribs · structural skeleton
Element 02
Mulberry Paper
Hand-pasted, translucent white
One material carries the structure, the other carries the light. The iron-and-wood internal frame holds the lantern's tall vertical form; the mulberry paper softens the bulb's output into an even, lantern-like glow. There is no alternative finish — the design depends on this single, considered combination.
03 Paper Craft Hand-Bonded Mulberry
Zoom
A Note on Craft
The hand of the artisan, visible at the edges.
Each UF3-Q shade is assembled through a meticulous hand-bonding process using paper and rice-based glue — the same technique used in Gifu papermaking for centuries. Minor traces of glue along the edges of the lampshade may be visible. This is an inherent signature of the craft, not a defect, and no two Akari lamps are identical.
04 Proportions Tall · Slender · Sculptural
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Akari UF3-Q · Floor Scale
Dia 56 × H 145 cm
Ø 22" × H 57"
Cable150 cm / 59"
BulbE26 / E27
SwitchIn-line on/off
Plug optionsUS · UK · AU · EU
Best forLiving rooms · entryways · galleries
Allow Visual Breathing Room
UF3-Q stands 145 cm (57") tall with a 56 cm (22") diameter shade — a substantial, sculptural footprint. We recommend a minimum ceiling height of 220 cm (87") for the piece to read with proper proportion above the shade, and clear floor space of at least 80 cm on all sides so the form can be appreciated from a distance. UF3-Q reads best in larger rooms — it is not intended as a corner accent.
05 Materials & Craft Three Pillars
Mulberry Paper
The shade is made from washi — a fine, fibrous paper traditionally produced from the inner bark of the mulberry tree. Lightweight, semi-translucent, and exceptionally strong for its weight, mulberry paper diffuses the bulb's output into a soft, warm glow with no visible filament or hot spots.
Iron & Wood Frame
A slender internal armature of iron ribs and wooden uprights gives the lantern its tall vertical form while staying invisibly thin. The frame is the structural skeleton — strong enough to hold the paper taut over a 145 cm height, light enough that the finished lamp keeps the physical lightness of a true lantern.
Hand-Bonded
Every sheet of paper is applied to the frame by hand using a traditional rice-based adhesive — the same technique used in Gifu papermaking for centuries. The process cannot be mechanised; each lamp carries the small, characteristic variations of its maker.
06 Product Notes At a Glance
Bulb Not Included
E26 or E27 base · sold separately
Global Plug Options
US · UK · AU · EU plug · choose at checkout
Indoor Only
AC 110–240V · dry interior use
07 Specifications Technical Data
| Dimensions | Dia 56cm x H 145cm / Ø 22" x H 57" |
| Frame material | Iron & wood, internal armature |
| Shade material | Mulberry paper, hand-pasted |
| Shade color | White |
| Socket | E26 or E27 base bulb |
| Bulb included | No — sold separately |
| Recommended bulb | Warm white LED E26/E27, 2700K–3000K, 6–9 W (mains-voltage AC 110–240V) |
| Cord | 150 cm / 59" with in-line on/off switch and region-specific plug |
| Switch | In-line on/off switch (mid-cable) |
| Plug options | US plug · UK plug · AU plug · EU plug — choose at checkout |
| Voltage | AC 110–240V, full-range |
| Installation | Plug-in floor use |
| IP rating | IP20 — indoor use only, not waterproof |
| Environment | Indoor only |
| Certifications |
North America Europe Australia Middle East
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Indoor use only. Mulberry paper is sensitive to humidity and direct sunlight — keep UF3-Q in dry interior environments and away from radiators, vents, prolonged sun exposure, and any moisture source. Not suitable for bathrooms, wet rooms, covered porches, or outdoor settings.
08 Installation Setup & Care
- Plug-in operation — no electrician required. UF3-Q ships with the plug type you select at checkout (US, UK, AU, or EU); plug directly into a standard wall outlet rated for AC 110–240V.
- Watch the design context video and the UF3-Q product walkthrough for visual reference of the assembled silhouette and lit appearance.
- Two people are recommended for unboxing. UF3-Q is tall (145 cm) and the paper shade, while strong, can be punctured by sharp objects or excessive pressure. Lift the lamp by the iron base, never by the paper.
- Place on a level, stable floor surface. Living rooms, entryways, gallery corners, and large reading rooms are ideal — leave at least 80 cm of clearance on all sides for the sculptural form to breathe.
- Source the correct E26 / E27 bulb. The fixture takes one E26 or E27 base bulb rated for AC 110–240V. We strongly recommend warm white LED bulbs (2700K–3000K, 6–9 W) — they pair beautifully with the mulberry paper, run cool (which protects the paper from heat damage), and produce the most authentic lantern glow.
- Route the 150 cm cable along the baseboard or behind nearby furniture. The in-line switch sits roughly halfway down the cord for easy reach without bending to the floor.
- The paper shade is delicate — handle by the iron base or wooden uprights, never by the paper itself. Avoid touching the shade with damp or oily hands.
A Note on Bulb Heat
Mulberry paper is heat-sensitive. Always use cool-running LED bulbs. Avoid incandescent and halogen bulbs entirely — these run significantly hotter than LEDs and can scorch or yellow the paper shade over weeks of use, even at the recommended wattage. Warm white LEDs (2700K–3000K, 6–9 W) provide the most authentic lantern glow while keeping the shade safe.
09 Questions Frequently Asked
Are the small glue marks on the shade edges a defect?
No — they are part of the hand-made character of the lamp. UF3-Q is bonded by hand using a traditional rice-based adhesive applied along the iron ribs. Because the process is entirely manual, small traces of glue along the shade edges are normal and unavoidable. We consider these marks part of the piece's authenticity — the same kind of trace you would find on a traditional Gifu paper lantern. They are not grounds for return or quality complaint, and we mention them up-front so there are no surprises.
Which plug type should I choose?
UF3-Q is supplied with your choice of plug at checkout — US plug (Type A/B, North America), UK plug (Type G, United Kingdom and Ireland), AU plug (Type I, Australia and New Zealand), or EU plug (Type C/F, continental Europe and most of the Middle East). Choose the plug type that matches your wall outlets — the fixture itself supports full-range AC 110–240V, so it will work on any of these regional supplies once paired with the correct plug.
What kind of bulb should I use?
A warm white LED bulb with an E26 or E27 base, AC 110–240V mains-voltage rating. Recommended specs: 2700K–3000K, 6–9 W. Avoid incandescent or halogen bulbs — these run hot and can scorch or yellow the mulberry paper over months of use. LEDs run cool, which is essential for protecting the paper shade. One bulb is required.
How do I clean the paper shade?
Very carefully — and very minimally. With the lamp unplugged and the bulb cool, use a soft dry feather duster or a clean, soft makeup brush to lift dust off the paper surface. Never use a damp cloth, water, soap, or any cleaning spray — moisture will mark the paper permanently and may dissolve the rice-based adhesive. Avoid abrasive cloths and vacuum attachments. If a section of the paper becomes damaged or stained, contact us about replacement panels.
Can the paper get damaged?
Yes — mulberry paper is strong for its weight but it is still paper. The shade can be torn by sharp objects, dented by excessive pressure, marked by liquids, and yellowed by prolonged direct sunlight or hot bulbs. Treat UF3-Q as you would a piece of paper sculpture: keep it away from children's reach, pets that climb, and busy traffic areas, and use only cool-running LED bulbs.
Where does UF3-Q work best?
Spacious, quiet rooms — living rooms, entry halls, gallery corners, formal dining rooms, hotel lobbies, and large reading rooms. UF3-Q is best read from a distance of 2–4 metres, with at least 80 cm of clearance on all sides. It is not well-suited to small bedrooms, narrow hallways, busy corridors, or rooms with curious pets and small children — the paper shade requires a calmer setting.
Is it dimmable?
The fixture itself uses a simple in-line on/off switch on the cord — no dimmer is built in. To dim UF3-Q, plug it into a wall outlet controlled by a TRIAC dimmer, or use a smart plug, paired with a TRIAC-compatible dimmable LED E26/E27 bulb. Dimmed low, the mulberry paper takes on a particularly warm, lantern-like glow — many owners prefer it dimmed.
Can I use it on both 110V and 220V circuits?
Yes. UF3-Q supports full-range AC 110–240V and is certified for use in North America, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East. Just ensure the E26 or E27 bulb you purchase is rated for your local voltage.
Can I install it in a bathroom or outdoors?
No. UF3-Q is rated IP20 for dry indoor use only. Beyond the rating, mulberry paper is highly sensitive to humidity — even a humid bathroom or covered porch will damage the shade over weeks. Outdoor settings, wet rooms, and any high-moisture environment are absolutely not suitable.
What if a paper panel is damaged?
Because UF3-Q is hand-built panel by panel, individual sections of the shade can in principle be replaced. If you experience accidental damage, please contact us with photographs of the affected area — we can advise on whether a panel-level repair is possible and quote accordingly. We recommend keeping all original packaging in case a return shipment is needed.
10 Downloads Spec · Install
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Hand-Pasted Paper
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Iron & Wood Frame
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Heritage Design · 1951
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Sculptural Floor Scale
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