Asano Paper Moon 2 | Shigeru Uchida | Washi Table Lantern

The Paper Moon 2 by Shigeru Uchida is the most classically proportioned lantern in Asano’s washi paper series — a near-sphere that balances height and width in a form that reads as effortlessly complete. Designed in 1990 and handcrafted in Gifu where paper craftsmanship has flourished for over 90 years, it uses a delicate spiral of bamboo ribbing to hold translucent rice paper over a minimal steel armature. At 9 inches tall and 8.5 inches in diameter, it is compact enough for a nightstand yet substantial enough to anchor a small shelf display.

Among the five Paper Moon silhouettes, Paper Moon 2 occupies the most balanced middle ground — neither as wide as Paper Moon 1 or 4, nor as tall and slender as Paper Moon 3. It is the answer for spaces where versatility and understatement matter most, and pairs naturally with any of its siblings in grouped compositions. Shigeru Uchida conceived the Paper Moon collection as five distinct meditations on proportion: each lamp a different way of inhabiting space with light.

Each Paper Moon is hand-assembled in Gifu using traditional washi paper production methods. The E17 socket accepts incandescent bulbs up to 25 watts (not included) and is compatible with LED equivalents. The 75-inch white PVC cord with inline switch provides flexible placement. Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth — the handmade rice paper shade requires no liquid contact. Designed for dry indoor environments only.

Designer: Shigeru Uchida (1943–2016) | Brand: Asano

Specifications

• Height: 9 inches
• Diameter: 8.5 inches
• Light Source: E17 socket, 25W max incandescent (bulb not included; LED compatible)
• Materials: Japanese washi rice paper shade, bamboo ribbing, steel wire armature, steel base plate
• Cord: 75-inch white PVC with inline on/off switch
• Production: Handmade in Gifu, Japan
• Environment: Indoor use only
• Care: Dust gently with soft, dry cloth; do not expose to liquids
• SKU: MD-AS-PM-02

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Paper Moon 2 the smallest in the series?
A: No — the series does not follow a simple large-to-small progression. Each design has its own distinct shape. Paper Moon 2 is 9 inches tall and 8.5 inches wide. Paper Moon 3 is the tallest (14 inches), Paper Moon 4 is the widest (14 inches in diameter), and Paper Moon 5 is a generous sphere at 11.25 inches tall.

Q: Can I use Paper Moon 2 on a nightstand?
A: Yes, it’s an ideal bedside lamp. Its near-spherical form fits comfortably on most nightstands and produces a soft, warm ambient glow perfect for winding down.

Q: What’s the best way to display multiple Paper Moons together?
A: Mix silhouettes rather than matching sizes. Grouping Paper Moon 3 (tall and slender) with Paper Moon 2 (balanced sphere) and Paper Moon 4 (wide, flat disc) creates a striking contrast that highlights each lamp’s individual geometry.

Q: What color is the washi paper when unlit?
A: Natural, unbleached washi in soft, warm cream tones. When unlit, each Paper Moon is a sculptural object. When lit, the bamboo ribbing casts subtle shadow patterns through the translucent paper.

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