Asano Paper Moon 4 | Shigeru Uchida | Washi Table Lantern

The Paper Moon 4 by Shigeru Uchida is the widest and lowest silhouette in Asano’s washi paper series — a broad, flat disc that hovers close to its surface and casts light in a wide, shallow halo. Designed in 1990 and handcrafted in Gifu where paper artisans have worked for over 90 years, it spans 14 inches in diameter while standing just 6 inches tall. This dramatically wide, low form suits dining tables, coffee tables, or floor placement where the lamp’s silhouette reads as a glowing platform rather than a traditional lantern.

Among the five Paper Moon designs, Paper Moon 4 is the most unexpectedly proportioned — its diameter is the largest of all five, yet its height is the lowest. Where other Paper Moons suggest spheres or columns, this design evokes an open umbrella or a low, spreading moon: a form that commands horizontal space with quiet authority. In a grouped installation it anchors the composition from below, contrasting against the vertical reach of Paper Moon 3 or the generous roundness of Paper Moon 5.

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: 6 inches
• Diameter: 14 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-04

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Paper Moon 4 compact or small?
A: Neither — Paper Moon 4 is actually the widest lamp in the series at 14 inches in diameter. Its low 6-inch height gives it a flat profile, but it spreads broadly across any surface it occupies.

Q: Where does Paper Moon 4 work best?
A: On dining tables, coffee tables, or the floor. Its wide, flat profile reads like a glowing platform — particularly striking placed low, where the broad halo illuminates surrounding surfaces without upward glare.

Q: Can I use Paper Moon 4 as a centrepiece on a dining table?
A: Yes — its wide, low form is well suited to a dining surface. Unlike tall fixtures that block sightlines, Paper Moon 4’s 6-inch height keeps the table open while adding warm, atmospheric light.

Q: How does Paper Moon 4 look when unlit?
A: Its wide disc-like form and bamboo ribbing create a striking sculptural statement even without light — it reads as a flattened paper sculpture on any surface.

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