shōji 障子

Also called sōji, a term prevalent in the medieval age. A generic term for partitions that can divide the interior of a building into separate rooms. They may slide, hang or remain stationary. There are many names for them, primarily based on type, use and design. Shōji have been categorized in many ways resulting in an overlapping of classifications. The names of the various shōji are derived from the following characteristics:

1　The method of opening and closing: hikishōji 引障子 slide horizontally; *kakeshōji 掛障子 are a hanging screen; *suriage shōji 摺上障子 and *hiraki shōji 開障子 are sliding casement screens.

2　The method of arranging the muntins includes: tatehonshigesan shōji 竪本繁桟障子 (closely spaced vertical muntins); yokoshigesan shōji 横繁桟障子 (horizontal muntins that are closely spaced); mabarasan shōji 疎桟障子 (muntins that are few and widely spaced); futsū shōji 普通障子 (muntins on one side only); and ryōmen shōji 両面障子 (muntins on both sides with paper in between).

3　The location and design of the panel board varies; koshishōji 腰障子 have hip level or lower panel boards which manaka koshishōji 間中腰障子 have a central hip. Decorative variations include carved patterns, wickerwork *ajiro 網代, panels selected for fine wood grain, and panels with bamboo or reeds *natsushōji 夏障子 arranged horizontally or vertically. Shōji covered with paper so that no framework is visible are commonly used and are called *mizugoshi shōji 水腰障子.

4　Shōji are also classified by materials used, for example, when bamboo is used, the appellation *takeshōji 竹障子 is common, and shōji covered with oiled paper are called abura shōji 油障子 or *amashōji 雨障子.

5　Shōji are also named according to specific use. For example, shōji used when snow viewing are *yukimi shōji 雪見障子; shōji favored for moon viewing are called tsukimi shōji 月見障子. Regular shōji that move horizontally are set into channels or grooves cut in the lintel and sill. Formerly, separate strips of wood, toiba 樋端, were nailed to the lintel. The tops of the shōji were inserted and held in place by these strips. This method is called dobumizo どぶ溝. Eventually the stiles became thicker than the frame of the shōji, and were formed into an L-shape so that no gap would appear when closed. Another method that disappeared during the Muromachi period was to place a vertical strip of wood called nakahōdate 中方立 in the center of the opening from lintel to sill. The shōji could then close against this. Shōji is an ancient word found as early as the 780 Saidaiji shizai rukichō 西大寺資材流記帳. The Fudarakusan jōdohen ippo 補陀落山浄土変一鋪 contains a statement that shōji on which a painting appears *shōji-e 障子絵 were bound by narrow purple cloth. During the Heian period, the word shōji included opaque partitions, later called *fusuma 襖, exterior doors *shitomido 蔀戸 with a removable bottom half and a hinged top half that could swing up and hook on to the rafters under the eaves, plank doors with horizontal wood strips attached at intervals from top to bottom *mairado 舞良戸, and even free-standing partitions *tsuitate shōji 衝立障子. According to Ban Dainagon emaki 伴大納言絵巻, the shōji at Kyoto Gosho Seiryōden 京都御所清涼殿, called *Konmeichi-no-shōji 昆明地障子, were removable wood partitions. The same type of shōji were also referred to as *umagata-no-shōji 馬形障子. In contrast, a style of fixed shōji were used in the Shishinden 紫宸殿 and are found in the Seiryōden too. The former were called *araumi-no-shōji 荒海障子 and the latter were called *kenjō-no-shōji 賢聖障子. *Fusuma 襖 and tsuitate shōji evolved from these types to become moveable. The word tsuitate shōji is mentioned in Makura no sōshi 枕草紙 (The Pillow Book), written by Sei Shōnagon 清少納言. From the end of the 12th century to the early 13th, the term *akarishōji 明障子 was applied to removable partitions that were covered on one side with cloth, often thin silk, or paper. The partitions were only covered with translucent material on one side of the frame to allow a subtle diffusion of light yet restrict the passage of wind and glare. The increased skill in producing good quality Japanese paper *washi 和紙 also contributed to the popularity of akarishōji. Akarishōji were used in combination with shitomido, which open horizontally; with *tsumado 妻戸, a type of door hinged on one side; and with mairado, plank doors entirely covered with paper. When shōji were no longer exposed to rain, the amount of wood used was greatly reduced. They were called koshitsuki shōji 腰付障子: doors with low-set panels. This type is still in common use today. Shōji that consist of stationary horizontal strips are called tsukuritsuke shōji 造付障子. See *wakishōji 脇障子.