Asano Paper Moon 3 | Shigeru Uchida | Washi Table Lantern

The Paper Moon 3 by Shigeru Uchida is the tallest and most slender silhouette in Asano’s washi paper series — a column of glowing rice paper that draws the eye upward with quiet drama. Designed in 1990 and handcrafted in Gifu where lantern-making traditions run over 90 years deep, it rises to 14 inches while measuring just 5 inches in diameter. This narrow, elongated form suits bookshelves, side tables, and windowsills where vertical presence is valued and surface area is limited.

Where Paper Moon 1 spreads its glow broadly and Paper Moon 4 sits wide and flat, Paper Moon 3 reaches upward — a paper column whose contrast between slender diameter and considerable height gives it the proportion of a candle flame rendered in washi. Among the five Paper Moon silhouettes, it offers the most architectural quality. Designers use it to add vertical rhythm to low shelf compositions or to introduce Japanese craft into minimalist interiors without visual clutter.

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 allows 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: 14 inches
• Diameter: 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-03

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How tall is Paper Moon 3 compared to the other designs?
A: At 14 inches tall and 5 inches wide, Paper Moon 3 is the tallest and most slender in the series. Paper Moon 1 is 9.25 inches tall (12.5 inches wide), Paper Moon 2 is 9 inches tall (8.5 inches wide), Paper Moon 4 is 6 inches tall (14 inches wide), and Paper Moon 5 is 11.25 inches tall (12 inches wide).

Q: Can Paper Moon 3 fit on a narrow bookshelf?
A: Yes — its 5-inch diameter makes it the most space-efficient lamp in the series. It works well tucked between books or objects, adding warm vertical light without requiring much surface space.

Q: Does the tall, narrow shape change how the light feels?
A: Yes. Paper Moon 3’s slender column concentrates light into a tighter, more intimate pool — similar to candlelight — rather than the broad ambient wash of Paper Moon 1 or 4.

Q: What kinds of interiors suit Paper Moon 3?
A: Minimalist, Japandi, and Scandinavian interiors where vertical line and restraint are valued. It also works as a warm accent piece on crowded bookshelves, where its narrow footprint fits without displacing other objects.

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