Asano Paper Moon 5 Washi Table Lamp by Shigeru Uchida

A hand-made washi paper lantern in a full, nearly round globe, designed by Shigeru Uchida in 1990 and made by Asano in Gifu, Japan.

Paper Moon 5 is one of five Paper Moon shapes Shigeru Uchida designed for Asano in 1990. Its washi paper is laid over a continuous spiral of bamboo filament held open by a wire armature, so the shade glows evenly and softly, with the rib lines showing as fine bands of light. This one takes the form of a full, nearly round globe, 11.25″ tall and 12″ across, and stands on a steel base plate with a 75″ cord. It takes one E17 bulb up to 25 W. The lamp arrives flat-packed in a gift box and opens out by hand.

Specifications

• Brand: Asano (Asano Shoten, Gifu, Japan, founded 1917)
• Model: Paper Moon 5
• Designer: Shigeru Uchida, 1990
• Type: Table lamp (washi paper lantern)
• Shape: full, nearly round globe
• Dimensions: 11.25″ H × 12″ Ø
• Materials: Japanese washi paper shade on a continuous spiral of bamboo filament, wire armature, steel base plate
• Socket: E17, max 25 W
• Cord: 75″ PVC cord
• Location: Indoor (IP20)
• Packaging: Flat-packed in a gift box
• Made in: Japan
• Item number (MPN): AS-PM-05
• UPC: 760110000337

Features

• Shade of Japanese washi paper on a spiral of bamboo filament
• Designed by Shigeru Uchida (1990), handmade in Gifu, Japan
• Compact 11.25″ × 12″ round shape
• E17 socket, max 25 W; 75″ PVC cord
• Flat-packed in a gift box

Best for

On a living-room floor, a large side table or an entry console. Paper Moon lamps look best in groups: mix two or three shapes at different heights for a soft, sculptural landscape of light. 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 near the stove, covered porches or any damp space: washi paper is for dry indoor rooms (IP20).
• Anyone who needs a bright reading or task light: it gives a soft, diffused glow.
• Homes with pets or small children who might knock or chew a paper shade.

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. Shigeru Uchida (1943–2016) was one of Japan’s leading designers, working across architectural interiors, furniture, industrial design and urban planning.

Buy once: durability and care

Washi is stronger than it looks, and with gentle care it keeps its glow for years. Switch the lamp off before cleaning, then dust the shade with a soft dry cloth. Never use liquid on washi paper, and keep it away from humidity.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Paper Moon 5 look like lit?

The washi diffuses the bulb into an even, warm glow, and the spiral of bamboo filament shows as fine horizontal lines of light.

What bulb does the Paper Moon 5 take?

One E17 bulb, maximum 25 W. A small LED bulb in warm white keeps the paper cool and the light soft (our advice).

How big is the Paper Moon 5?

It is 11.25″ tall and 12″ across, on a 75″ PVC cord.

Can the Paper Moon 5 go in a bathroom or outdoors?

No. It is rated IP20 for dry indoor rooms; humidity and moisture damage handmade washi.

Which rooms and styles suit the Paper Moon 5? (our styling advice)

Bedrooms, living rooms and entries, in Japandi, minimalist, Scandinavian, wabi-sabi and mid-century interiors; it softens modern rooms too.

Is the Paper Moon 5 a good gift?

Yes. It ships flat-packed in a gift box, and unfolding the shade is part of the pleasure.

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.