Asano Mari Lamp A122 | Shigeru Uchida | Washi Lantern

The Asano Mari Lamp takes its name from the mari \u2014 the traditional Japanese decorative ball, originally a children\u2019s toy hand-stitched from silk thread, later refined into the craft art form known as temari. Designed by Shigeru Uchida in 1990 and handcrafted in Gifu using Mino washi paper, this floor lamp gives physical form to that round, generous silhouette: a 14.57-inch diameter sphere rising 19.5 inches on a minimal steel tripod. Among the three Chochin lamps, the Mari is the most volumetrically dramatic \u2014 a glowing orb that fills a room with warm, enveloping light.

The Chochin series \u2014 Donguri (acorn), Tawara (rice bale), and Mari (ball) \u2014 forms Asano\u2019s most architecturally scaled collection, each lamp named for its organic form. The Mari is the widest and most spherical: while the Donguri reaches upward as a slender column and the Tawara presents a cylindrical barrel, the Mari expands outward in all directions, creating the broadest light distribution of the three. On its black steel tripod, it hovers above the floor with the quality of traditional Gifu paper lanterns at the scale of a contemporary floor lamp.

Each lamp is handcrafted in Gifu using Mino washi paper formed over a wire armature and bamboo spiral, then mounted on a minimal 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 easy shipping, assembly requires no tools. 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: 14.57 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-A122

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Mari mean, and how does it relate to the lamp\u2019s design?
A: Mari (\u6bde) refers to the traditional Japanese decorative ball \u2014 originally a children\u2019s toy, later elevated into the craft art form known as temari. The lamp\u2019s spherical shade directly evokes this round, generous form. Like all Asano lamp names, it draws from Japanese material culture and everyday beauty.

Q: How does the Mari compare in size to the Tawara and Donguri?
A: All three stand at 19.5 inches tall on their tripod stands. The Mari is the widest at 14.57 inches in diameter \u2014 significantly broader than the Tawara (11 inches) and the slender Donguri (4.72 inches). The Mari also produces the broadest, most omnidirectional glow of the three.

Q: Where does the Mari work best?
A: As a statement floor lamp beside a sofa, in a living room corner, or as the anchor piece in a grouped Asano installation. Its 14.57-inch sphere creates a powerful presence that works especially well in larger spaces or as a solo focal point.

Q: Can I use the Mari alongside Paper Moon lamps in a grouped display?
A: Yes \u2014 the Mari pairs beautifully with the Paper Moon series, especially Paper Moon 4 (also 14 inches wide) or Paper Moon 5 (a similarly spherical form). The height contrast between the Mari\u2019s floor lamp scale and the Paper Moons\u2019 table lamp scale creates a natural layered composition.

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