Swiss designer Jona Messerli has created a flat-pack table lamp with a lattice-patterned shade made from Japanese shoji paper. 
The Sol light, which launched at IMM Cologne, was made using a digital cutting plotter programmed to create an open-weave pattern.

Its shade is made from two layers of tear-resistant Japanese shoji paper, delivered flat and stretched across a frame. The woven pattern lets the material expand to cover the light without ripping.
The sculptural shade ? created with Japanese designer Isamu Noguchi's Akari light sculptures in mind ? acts as a diffuser, as well as holding the lightbulb in place. According to the designer, the paper creates an atmospheric glow that "brings the sun indoors".

Design duo Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby have also referred back to Noguchi's work, with a series of paper lanterns made using traditional Japanese methods. By using LED bulbs, which are cool to the touch, Messerli is able to place Sol's paper covering much closer to the light source. The lamp is assembled using magnets in the frame to hold the shade in place.

Sol was nominated in IMM Cologne's Pure Talents Contest for emerging designers. Products launched at this year's fair include a furniture collection made using a traditional Colombian weaving technique and an ultra-minimal light made using a bent rod that can be rotated to create different effects.

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