Asano Hibit 45 Washi Paper Pendant Light

A washi paper lantern to hang: rice paper on a spiral of bamboo filament, handmade by Asano in Gifu, Japan, with a white or black cord.

Hibit is Asano’s pendant lantern. Like the brand’s table lights, its structure is simple: a wire armature holds open a continuous spiral of bamboo filament wrapped in rice paper, so the light spreads in a soft, even glow. It is handmade in Gifu, Japan, where Asano has made lanterns since 1917. Choose a white cord to disappear against a light ceiling or a black cord for a graphic line.

Specifications

• Brand: Asano (Asano Shoten, Gifu, Japan, founded 1917)
• Model: Hibit Pendant Lamp 45
• Type: Pendant light (washi paper lantern)
• Cord colors: White or black
• Materials: Rice paper on a continuous spiral of bamboo filament, wire armature
• Made in: Handmade in Gifu, Japan
• Item numbers (MPN): White Cord AS-HI-45-W; Black Cord AS-HI-45-B

Features

• Rice paper on a continuous spiral of bamboo filament
• Wire armature keeps the round shade open
• Handmade in Gifu, Japan
• White or black cord

Best for

Over a dining table, in a bedroom or a stairwell, or in a living room where you want soft overall light. Several at different heights make a calm cluster. More from Asano: Asano Paper Moon 1 Washi Table Lamp by Shigeru Uchida, Asano Paper Moon 2 Washi Table Lamp by Shigeru Uchida, Asano Paper Moon 3 Washi Table Lamp by Shigeru Uchida.

Who this is not for

• Bathrooms, kitchens over the stove, porches and other damp places: paper shades belong in dry indoor rooms (our advice).
• Anyone who needs focused task light: a paper lantern diffuses light in every direction.
• Anyone expecting a machine-perfect shade: it is handmade, so small variations in the paper are normal.

Why we carry it

We’ve been curating design-led lighting since 2009, and few lights are as quietly beautiful as a hand-made washi lantern. Asano Shoten has made Gifu lanterns (chochin) in the old castle town of Gifu, Japan, since Junsaku Asano founded it in 1917. Gifu chochin were designated a traditional craft of Japan in 1996, and Asano still makes its lanterns the traditional way: craftspeople wind thin bamboo ribs around a form, paste on thin washi paper and trim it by hand with a blade, using materials and parts made almost entirely in Gifu Prefecture, including hand-made Mino washi.

Buy once: durability and care

Washi is stronger than it looks, and with gentle care it keeps its glow for years. Switch off before cleaning and dust the paper shade gently with a soft dry cloth or a feather duster; keep washi dry and away from steam.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Hibit 45 pendant made of?

Rice paper wrapped on a continuous spiral of bamboo filament, held open by a wire armature, handmade in Gifu, Japan.

Which cord color should I choose for the Hibit 45? (our styling advice)

White disappears against a white ceiling and keeps the lantern floating; black draws a crisp line that suits dark ceilings and industrial rooms.

Where should I hang the Hibit 45 pendant? (our styling advice)

Over a dining or kitchen table, in a bedroom, stair or entry; a few at staggered heights make a soft cluster.

Can the Hibit 45 pendant go in a bathroom?

We advise against it: humidity damages paper shades, so keep it in dry indoor rooms.

Which interiors suit the Hibit 45? (our styling advice)

Japandi, Scandinavian, minimalist and mid-century rooms, and any space that needs softer light.

How do I clean the Hibit 45 pendant?

Switch off before cleaning and dust the paper shade gently with a soft dry cloth or a feather duster; keep washi dry and away from steam.

Trade pricing for design professionals

Interior designers, architects, contractors and builders can apply to the MetropolitanDecor Trade Program for trade pricing on Asano and the rest of our catalog, a dedicated trade support line, and free catalogs and finish swatches. Applying takes about three minutes; our trade team reviews every application personally, usually within one business day. Lighting a hotel, spa or restaurant? Contact us with models and quantities and we’ll confirm availability and lead time.

Shipping & returns

Ships in 2–3 business days. Orders over $100 ship free by ground to the 48 contiguous states. All sales are final, so check the size and specifications above before ordering; if your order arrives damaged or isn’t what you ordered, contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos and we’ll make it right.

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