Mayu Washi Paper Pendant Light

The rice paper is stretched over an internal foldable metal ring frame, similar to the traditional Japanese chōchin lantern engineering. In its collapsed state, the paper folds against itself in an accordion-style compression along the vertical axis — the entire shade compresses to a fraction of its unfolded height for shipping and storage. At installation, extending the fixture pulls the internal rings apart along the vertical axis, and the paper unfolds naturally into its oval cocoon shape. No tools required for the unfolding step; the fixture handles it via its internal mechanism. Once unfolded, the shade holds cocoon shape reliably indefinitely — you do not need to re-fold it unless you want to store or move the fixture.

All three are Japanese-inspired paper pendants at different design registers. Mayu (this fixture) — soft oval cocoon in rice paper, foldable design, single size (Ø 22.4" × H 25.1"), warm intimate register with vertical elongation. Correct for dining tables, bedrooms, reading nooks, and rooms where the fixture should read as considered but not statement centrepiece. Tsuki — round nearly-spherical lantern in pure washi paper, 2 sizes (Ø 21.7-34.6"), calm formal centrepiece register. Correct for statement dining, foyers, kitchen islands. Kuri — chestnut-shell shape in washi + bamboo silk, 2 sizes (Ø 17.7-23.6"), cozy intimate register with horizontal breadth. Correct for breakfast nooks, small dining, bedrooms.

No. Akari is a specific brand of paper lanterns designed by the sculptor Isamu Noguchi beginning in 1951 — those pieces are officially licensed reissues manufactured under the Noguchi estate's authorization. The Mayu is a Japanese-inspired rice-paper pendant of our own design; it draws on the same traditional folding-lantern lineage that inspired Noguchi, but it is not marketed as an Akari piece and is not authorized under the Noguchi estate. If you are seeking an authenticated Akari fixture specifically, we recommend consulting the estate's authorized retailers. If you are seeking a considered rice-paper cocoon with foldable practicality, the Mayu serves that specification.

Yes — strongly recommended, particularly in dining rooms and bedrooms where evening-mode ambient light is the specification. The included E26/E27 LED bulb is non-dimmable warm-white 2700K. Replace with a dimmable E26/E27 LED (widely available at any lighting retailer) and install a triac-compatible wall dimmer. At 40-60% brightness, the rice paper cocoon glows as intimate warm anchor — the fixture reads as its most atmospheric register. The Mayu is particularly beautiful at lower brightness settings; at full brightness it reads more like functional task fixture.

The standard canopy is 4.7" — appropriate for most standard-diameter residential electrical junction boxes. Alternative canopy sizes (smaller for narrow junction boxes, larger for wider junction boxes) are available at no extra charge. To request a different canopy size: leave a note at checkout specifying the desired diameter, or contact us at support@stuberlighting.com within 24 hours of order placement. We match the canopy to your specification before shipping. If you are uncertain about the correct canopy size for your ceiling installation, we recommend consulting your licensed electrician before placing the order.

Rice paper is more durable than it looks (layered construction adds resilience) but should never be wet-cleaned. For dust: gently vacuum with a fabric-brush attachment on the lowest suction setting, or use a soft dry microfibre duster; every 3-6 months. For fingerprints or spot marks: gently blot with a dry soft brush; never use water, cleaners, or damp cloths — moisture will discolor the paper permanently. If the shade collects too much dust: the fixture can be temporarily collapsed and the folded shade dusted externally, then unfolded again; this is a practical benefit of the foldable design. Long-term care: avoid installing directly beneath forced-air heating or cooling ducts, and keep the fixture out of direct sunlight to prevent gradual color fading.

No — indoor dry locations only. The Mayu is rated IP20, which provides no protection against moisture. Rice paper is particularly vulnerable to humidity — moisture will cause the paper to warp, discolor, and eventually fail. Never install in bathrooms, above hot tubs, in covered outdoor patios, in enclosed pool areas, or in any location where humidity regularly exceeds normal residential interior levels. Correct locations: dining rooms, kitchens (away from stovetop steam), living rooms, bedrooms, foyers, hallways, and indoor reading nooks with normal residential humidity levels.

Meaningfully easier than typical rigid pendant installation. The Mayu ships with the shade collapsed flat in the box, so the initial handling and ceiling-mounting is done with the paper folded and out of the way. Once the electrical mounting is complete, unfold the shade via the internal frame — the paper opens into its cocoon shape as you extend the mechanism. Total professional installation time: 30-45 minutes typical, single electrician sufficient. Customer reviews consistently note the installation as unexpectedly easy — the fixture is installed in less time than they expected. Professional installation by a licensed electrician is recommended for the electrical mounting step; the shade-unfolding step is straightforward once mounting is complete.

Yes — the Mayu is particularly specified for hospitality contexts, short-term rental properties, and multi-unit residential installations where the foldable design solves practical logistics. The fixture ships in unusually compact packaging, installs unusually quickly, and can be re-collapsed and stored between seasons or renovations without full deinstallation. Multi-fixture installations at repeating intervals along corridors or in coordinated guest rooms produce considered rhythm. Trade programs available; extended cord lengths and alternative canopy sizes at no extra charge; project-management coordination for larger orders. Production lead times run 4-6 weeks. Write to support@stuberlighting.com with your project brief — quantity, installation locations, canopy specifications, and target timeline.