amashōji 雨障子

Also called aburashōji 油障子. A type of translucent paper-covered window found most often in tea ceremony houses *chashitsu 茶室. Generally, a paper called nishi-no-uchigami 西の内紙 was used. The paper was attached to the window frame with a vinegar-based paste. After it dried, the paper was coated with oil. Amashōji were used where rain was likely to reach. Amashōji made with wood panels on the lower half are called koshishōji 腰障子. Today, the paper for this type of window sometimes is replaced with glass.