Isamu Noguchi for Akari light sculpture, model 10A

Isamu Noguchi for Akari Light Sculpture, Model 10A
Designed by Isamu Noguchi, 1952
Manufacturer: Ozeki & Co., Ltd., Japan / USA
Materials: Washi paper, enameled steel, bamboo, cane, thread
Dimensions: 49¾ h × 21 dia in
This iconic light sculpture, Model 10A, bears Noguchi’s “Sun and Moon” ideogram stamp on the shade, along with an Akari-Gemini base sticker.
Provenance:
Private Collection | Thence by descent
Literature:
This model is well-documented in several key publications, including early promotional sheets and original assembly instructions:
Akari Lamps by Isamu Noguchi, ca. 1952 promotional sheet (The Noguchi Museum Archives, LBD_50S_025_025)
Akari Lamps, Bonniers catalog brochure (The Noguchi Museum Archives, MS_AKA_008_015)
Akari Lamps by Isamu Noguchi, 1956 Bonniers assembly instructions (The Noguchi Museum Archives, B_AD_2001_1956)
Isamu Noguchi: Akari, Craft and Design Museum, Gifu exhibition catalog
Design: Isamu Noguchi and Isamu Kenmochi, Rychlak, Mori, Murayama, Matsumoto, pg. 99
condition: good original vintage condition, slight wear on shade consistent with age and use
shade is original with signs of yellowing, wood slight patina with age