History and Tradition

• Shoji became a part of what is now regarded as a traditional Japanese house in the late 16th century. Called Shoin style, the dwelling features a post-beam construction requiring no interior supporting walls. The single interior space is divided into rooms by fusuma, sliding doors covered by heavy, opaque paper or cloth that often serve as a canvas for artwork. Fusuma can be opened and closed to configure the home's living space to suit different needs. Shoji form the exterior walls, with removable sliding wooden shutters called amado used when security or protection from weather elements is needed. During fair weather the shoji are opened, eliminating the barrier between internal and external space and allowing the beauty of gardens and outdoor ceremonial structures to meld with the home's interior.
  
  

Shoji Design and Materials

• The woven lattice framework of the shoji screen typically is a simple rectangular pattern using lightweight unfinished wood. The frame fits into grooved rails at top and bottom, allowing it to be smoothly and easily slid open with a finger. The thin shoji paper, called washi, is made from the bark of the Japanese mulberry tree. Translucence and rough texture combine to allow soft light to fill the house, and its white color helps brighten rooms at night by reflecting interior light sources. The shoji's light weight enables it to be removed from its rails and stored.
  
  

Contemporary Uses and Adaptations

• Shoji continue to play an important role in modern Japanese houses and are popular in Western countries as well. Shoji's traditional design and function have been adapted for use in contemporary homes, while retaining an elegant appearance. Freestanding and foldable shoji temporarily partition living rooms from kitchens in Western houses with open floor plans, and provide private dressing areas in shared bedrooms. Shoji are used as closet, wardrobe and cupboard doors, as window treatments and wall accents.
  
  

Influences

• Shoji screens' influence can also be seen in offices, where foldable lightweight screens partition large conference rooms into smaller ones and divide worker cubicles. Schools use portable lightweight screens to separate classroom space into different work centers.