Knowing Shoji: The History of Japanese Paper Screens

If you have ever seen a Japanese movie such as Rurouni Kenshin: The Final, which was just released recently, you might know what shoji screens are even without realizing it. They are a traditional Japanese architectural feature seen in traditional Japanese homes and sometimes even in modern Japanese houses.

They are the iconic sliding doors or paper walls used in different parts of the house. Shoji screens can also be used as a room divider or a window. As it is one of the most distinct forms of Japanese art, shoji screens are recognized and used by many people around the world today.

Despite its fame, many people still don’t know much about these legendary screens. So here’s a walkthrough of the history of Shoji—what it means, how it started, and how it was developed over the years.

What a Shoji Screen Is

Shoji screens are made up of thick translucent paper stretched over a wooden frame held together by bamboo. These were used to beautify the rooms and facades of Japanese houses and temples. Their practical and aesthetic function allowed the shoji screens to remain as a fixture in the homes of Japanese people despite the advent of modern architectural design.

If you’ve been wondering what the word ‘shoji’ means, it was originally used to refer to “a tool to obstruct.” But as the word transformed over the years, Shoji is now known as a term for translucent paper coverings. The word still stands close to its original meaning as it serves as an obstruction in the form of doors and room dividers.

How Shoji Started

The idea of developing shoji screens was inspired by the oldest Chinese folding screens, used as early as the 300th century BC, and became widespread by the 8th century A.D. Japanese Shoji started to take form when the Chinese folding screens reached the Land of The Rising Sun.

Chinese folding screens were made of wood frames held together by leather thongs that were tied together through holes along the edge of the panel. They were primarily used as partitions in large rooms. The Japanese started crafting shoji screens based on the Chinese folding screens but were modified to take many forms.

The Spread of Folding Screens

In the 1500s, trade opened up between the East and the West, and this began the spread of all kinds of Eastern products to different countries. In 1853, a man named Matthew Perry traveled to Japan. He was pivotal to the opening of Japan’s borders to the Western World during the Convention of Kanagawa. This paved the way for the Japanese Shoji to be transported all around the world.

Modern Shoji

Shoji screens remain popular fixtures in modern Japanese homes. Over the years, the Japanese refined the processes to make shoji screens more durable over time. Today, many shoji screens are done by folding the paper in alternating grains to keep its balance in horizontal and vertical dimensions.

Conclusion

Shoji screens have remained in Japanese homes to this day because they serve two purposes: function and aesthetic. These purposes are usually brought together to produce a robust and beautiful piece of art.

Do you dream of having a Shoji screen in your home? If you’re looking for these screens or metal room dividers, Legacy Décor has got it all for you. We have a wide selection of room dividers that give a Japanese vibe to your room. Get yours today!