Foldability Maya Hand-Folded Parchment Pendant by Kyla McCallum

A compact geometric pendant of hand-folded parchment by origami artist Kyla McCallum, 11″ across and as light as a pound.

Kyla McCallum designed Maya in 2009 for her Sonobe light collection: squares of Italian parchment are folded by hand into modular origami units, glued together and set on a steel frame. Lit, the parchment glows warm and each facet takes a slightly different tone, so the simple geometric form becomes a gentle lantern. Maya is 11″ across and 8.6″ high, weighs just 1 lb, hangs from 180″ of PVC cord and is wired into the ceiling. It takes one E26 bulb up to 40 W and is made for indoor use.

Specifications

• Brand: Foldability (studio of paper artist Kyla McCallum)
• Model: Maya
• Designer: Kyla McCallum, 2009
• Type: Pendant light for hardwiring
• Materials: Hand-folded parchment paper; steel frame
• Technique: Sonobe modular origami: squares of Italian parchment folded and glued together by hand
• Dimensions: Ø 11″ × 8.6″ H
• Weight: 1 lb
• Socket: E26, max 40 W
• Cord: 180″ PVC
• Location: Indoor
• Item number (MPN): FO-MAYA

Features

• Parchment paper shade, folded by hand
• Steel frame keeps the geometric form crisp
• Compact Ø 11″ × 8.6″, just 1 lb
• E26 socket, max 40 W
• 180″ PVC cord, for hardwiring

Best for

In clusters over a dining table or kitchen island, in a hallway or stairwell, over a bedside, or anywhere you want soft, sculptural light at a small scale. More from Foldability: Foldability Toby Folded Parchment Pendant Light.

Who this is not for

• Plug-in installs: Maya is made for hardwiring.
• Bathrooms, kitchens over the stove or other damp places: it is an indoor paper lamp.
• Task lighting: it gives a soft, diffused glow.

Why we carry it

We’ve been curating design-led lighting since 2009, and we love lights that are made by hand and look it. Foldability is the studio of Kyla McCallum, a Scottish paper artist and set designer who discovered her fascination with origami and geometry while studying in Cologne in 2007 and later earned a Masters in European Design at the Glasgow School of Art. Her folded lighting has been made for clients including John Lewis, Northern and Ted Baker.

Buy once: durability and care

Parchment is light but surprisingly durable when kept dry. Dust the parchment gently with a soft brush or feather duster with the lamp switched off. Keep it dry: no sprays, no damp cloths, and no steam nearby.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Foldability Maya pendant?

It measures Ø 11″ × 8.6″ and weighs 1 lb.

What bulb does the Maya pendant take?

One E26 bulb, maximum 40 W. A warm-white LED stays cool against the parchment (our advice).

What is the Maya shade made of?

Hand-folded parchment paper on a steel frame.

How long is the Maya pendant’s cord?

180″ of PVC cord, so it can hang low in a tall space; your electrician can shorten it.

Can the Maya pendant hang in a bathroom or outdoors?

No. Parchment is for dry indoor rooms only.

Which interiors suit the Maya pendant? (our styling advice)

Japandi, Scandinavian, minimalist and contemporary rooms; small enough for clusters over an island.

Trade pricing for design professionals

Interior designers, architects, contractors and builders can apply to the MetropolitanDecor Trade Program for trade pricing on Foldability 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 restaurant, boutique or hotel lobby? 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.