Asano Donguri Lamp A120 | Shigeru Uchida | Washi Lantern

The Asano Donguri Lamp reinterprets the traditional Gifu chochin lantern through the language of contemporary design. Designed by Shigeru Uchida in 1990 and handcrafted in Gifu by artisans with over 90 years of accumulated washi craft knowledge, this lamp takes its name from the Japanese word for acorn \u2014 a reference to its tall, softly tapering silhouette. The shade rises 19.5 inches and measures just 4.72 inches in diameter, creating a slender, upright form that recalls the elongated lanterns of Japanese temple festivals rendered in Mino washi paper.

The Chochin series \u2014 comprising the Donguri, Tawara, and Mari \u2014 is Asano\u2019s more architecturally scaled Gifu lantern collection, each lamp named for the organic form it inhabits. The Donguri is the most vertically sculptural of the three: its narrow, elongated shade, mounted on a minimal black steel tripod, brings the quality of a traditional hanging lantern to a freestanding floor lamp. The contrast between the textured washi paper and the minimal geometric base gives it a quiet precision that reads well in both minimalist and Japanese-inspired interiors.

Each lamp is handcrafted using traditional washi paper production methods: Mino washi paper is formed over a wire armature and bamboo spiral to create the shade, then mounted on a steel tripod base. The E17 socket accepts standard incandescent bulbs up to 25 watts (not included) and is compatible with LED equivalents. Lightweight and flat-packed for shipping, assembly is minimal. Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth \u2014 the handmade washi paper shade requires no liquid contact. Designed for dry indoor environments only.

Designer: Shigeru Uchida (1943\u20132016) | Brand: Asano

Specifications

• Height: 19.5 inches
• Diameter: 4.72 inches
• Light Source: E17 socket, 25W max incandescent (bulb not included; LED compatible)
• Materials: Mino washi paper shade, bamboo ribbing, wire armature, steel tripod base
• Environment: Indoor use only (IP20)
• Care: Dust gently with soft, dry cloth; do not expose to liquids
• SKU: MD-AS-CH-A120

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How is the Donguri different from the Paper Moon series?
A: The Paper Moon series (1\u20135) are table lamps designed to sit on surfaces. The Donguri, Tawara, and Mari are the Chochin series \u2014 floor lamps on tripod stands, 19.5 inches tall, inspired more directly by traditional hanging Gifu lanterns. The Donguri is the tallest and most slender of the three, named for the Japanese word for acorn.

Q: What does Donguri mean?
A: Donguri (\u3069\u3093\u3050\u308a) is the Japanese word for acorn. The lamp\u2019s tall, narrow silhouette with a slightly widened base closely resembles an acorn \u2014 a form that also evokes traditional Japanese lanterns.

Q: Can I use an LED bulb in the Donguri?
A: Yes. The E17 socket is compatible with LED equivalents. A warm-white (2700K) LED best matches the soft, atmospheric glow that the washi paper shade is designed to produce.

Q: Where does the Donguri work best in a room?
A: In corners, beside seating, or as an accent in a Japanese-inspired or minimalist interior. It pairs beautifully with the wider Tawara and Mari lamps in a grouped Asano installation.

Please note: Because this item is made to order or specially sourced, it is final sale.