shitomido 蔀戸

Also called hajitomi 半蔀 or *shitomi 蔀. Wooden shutters with crisscross lattice that is often attached on both the exterior and interior sides of the window. Each shutter section is divided horizontally so that the upper half is suspended by metal hinges attached to an overhead, non-pretrating lintel uchimori nageshi 内法長押. Generally, it opens out and swings up so that it can be held in place by metal fixtures called shitomizuri 蔀吊; also written 蔀釣. These metal fixtures are long rods bent into hooks on their outer ends. They are affixed to raised rafters *jidaruki 地垂木 that extend out into the eave overhang *noki-no-de 軒の出. The lower section has crisscross lattice on its front side and a timber panel backing. It fits between two pillars *hashira 柱, and usually rests on a kick board *kehanashi 蹴放. It is secured to the pillars by knuckle hinges called tsubogane 壷金. If necessary, this section can be removed. 

Shitomido first appeared in the shinden style buildings *shinden-zukuri 寝殿造,the style of dwellings developed for the aristocracy during the Heian period. Examples also are found in the shoin style buildings *shoin-zukuri 書院造, and in various temple and shrine buildings. Originally these shutters were made in a single piece to fit the size of the bay *ken 間, into which they were placed. They were also suspended by metal fixtures from the overhead, non-penetrating lintel. Being both heavy and awkward to remove, they were divided to make them more manageable.