Don Freeman
As we combed through Artists’ Handmade Houses, the prize in our current book giveaway, we noticed an interesting theme running through the houses of many of the 13 artists featured. They often used the simple rice paper globe ceiling lights pioneered in the 50′s by Isamu Noguchi: an electrical wire hung from the ceiling from which hung a bulb surrounded by a translucent rice paper shade. Paolo Soleri, Sam Maloof, Wharton Esherick, Ruth and Robert Hatch all used them to great effect: they lend a pleasing sculptural element to a room while casting a lovely light.
George Nakashima had them all over the house. We’re wondering if he made this clever wall light by cutting a globe in half and affixing it to the wall.
Don Freeman
…He even used one in the kitchen…
Don Freeman
To our eye several of the genuine Noguchi Akari Ceiling Lights …
…are almost identical to inexpensive Japanese paper lanterns available from Shoji Decor (which come in many shapes and sizes)…
You can buy yourself a big 39″ Noguchi globe for about $1000. Or buy a 36″ one from Shoji for about $37, along with an electric cord kit for about $15…our modus operandi for years.
Our giveaway contest for Artists’ Handmade Houses
Related posts: task lights suspended from the ceiling
are you a secret lighting designer?
great clip-on lamp shade (+ the search for glass fiber paper)
more from ‘artists handmade houses’ (our great book giveaway)
Beautiful kitchen. I’m curious about the cabinet–the small panels appear to be angled. . .