Shoji | Traditional, Sliding Doors & Paper Panels (2024)

Japanese architecture

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Also known as: shōji

shoji, in Japanese architecture, sliding outer partition doors and windows made of a latticework wooden frame and covered with a tough, translucent white paper. When closed, they softly diffuse light throughout the house.

In summer they are often removed completely, opening the house to the outside—a desirable arrangement in Japan because of the extreme humidity. The shoji is a feature of the shoin style, which first appeared in the Kamakura period (1192–1333).

Shoji | Traditional, Sliding Doors & Paper Panels (2)

Britannica Quiz

Architecture: The Built World

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.

Shoji | Traditional, Sliding Doors & Paper Panels (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between the sliding doors and the shoji? ›

The shoji itself is a sliding door but a section of it can be opened as a single hung window. The shoji is translucent (opaque) but in the sliding section there is a fix clear glass pane.

What paper is used in shoji doors? ›

Basic Shoji Gami Paper: Traditional Japanese Shoji Screens utilize a bleached or unbleached Mulberry paper that has a uniform pulp consistency throughout. The paper weighs approximately 45 grams per square meter (GSM). Bleached Mulberry Paper is closer to a true white.

What are Japanese paper covered sliding doors called? ›

shoji, in Japanese architecture, sliding outer partition doors and windows made of a latticework wooden frame and covered with a tough, translucent white paper.

What does shoji mean in Japanese? ›

A shoji ( 障 しょう 子 じ , Japanese pronunciation: [ɕo:(d)ʑi]) is a door, window or room divider used in traditional Japanese architecture, consisting of translucent (or transparent) sheets on a lattice frame.

What is an alternative to shoji paper? ›

Serenity rules in Japanese environments using shoji (dividers or doors) of translucent rice paper that provide soft sunlight, privacy, light weight and easy movement.

Are shoji doors fragile? ›

The doors are somewhat delicate and each of them is likely to be slightly different than the others. You need to remember the order in which they came out so they can be put back in the same order. Otherwise, you might find that some of the doors do not slide so easily.

How long does shoji last? ›

Anyway, Shoji is not supposed to withstand the elements and is supposed to be in the room. It is usually repapered each year usually at the end of the year to greet New Year with fresh room atmosphere. But if you are lazy, it would last several years although it may get tinged yellowish.

What size are shoji panels? ›

Specifications for Shoji Panels

Stiles and top rail are 1-3/4″ wide, bottom rail is 3″. Weather durable exterior panels are made from western red cedar with a white translucent Plexiglas insert. Maximum height and width is 108″ and 48″ respectively except for designs A1 and A38 (36″ width).

How do you attach Shoji paper? ›

Spread the shoji paper about 1/3 to 2/3 and confirm whether the paper is parallel with the frame. If the positioning is okay, temporarily affix the paper to the frame at the center and both ends. Roll back the paper after temporarily affixing the paper.

What is the difference between fusuma and shoji? ›

Fusuma are typically made of opaque cloth or paper, while shōji are made of sheer, translucent paper. Fusuma and shōji, along with tatami straw mats (for the floor) make up a typical Japanese room.

Why do Japanese use paper doors? ›

Paper-thin

This design keeps the doors, which can also serve as windows or simply room dividers, incredibly light and easy to open and close. The paper used is called Washi and is made from a tree called Kozo. Its properties make it exceptionally good at lighting a room because of its reflective quality.

Is shoji paper rice paper? ›

By the 12th century, shoji had evolved into something unique to Japan, the sliding doors lined with paper. The paper is translucent and is called 'shoji paper'. Sometimes people call it 'rice paper' (since it sounds 'oriental'?), but shoji paper really has nothing to do with rice.

What is shoji weakness? ›

This Quirk's only weakness is that the replicated body parts must be in the same condition as the original parts; if Shoji's original hands are injured, the replicated hands will have those same injuries. In addition, the more pods Shoji creates, the harder it becomes for them to perform complex motions.

What are the benefits of shoji? ›

Natural Light Distribution

The translucent nature of Shoji paper diffuses natural light, illuminating interiors without sacrificing privacy. By using Shoji doors as partitions, you can maintain bright, inviting spaces that feel open and connected to the outdoors, even when the doors are closed.

Is shoji Chinese or Japanese? ›

Shoji are sliding doors, windows and room dividers of traditional Japanese architecture, they consist of a wooden frame and lattice work backed by washi paper.

What is the difference between shoji and fusuma doors? ›

The fusuma is an opaque sliding panel, used to redefine the space in traditional Japanese houses. The fusuma serves to define the space in the wash*tsu rooms of Japanese houses . It can serve as both a door and a wall. The shoji ( transparent sliding panel ) is used to separate the exterior and interior of the house.

What are sliding doors called in Japanese? ›

Shoji in Japanese architecture refers to the sliding doors and windows made of a latticed wooden frame covered in translucent white paper. In summer, Shoji doors are often completely removed to open up the house to help alleviate the humidity of the season.

What does shoji screen mean? ›

The traditional shoji screen is a window or room divider that consists of translucent paper over a frame of wood. Shoji screens originated in Japan and were created as a sliding wooden frame with a rice paper screen.

What size are shoji sliding doors? ›

Each door measures approximately 36.00"W x 80.00"H x 1.00"D, allowing for a seamless integration into your living space. Our sliding shoji doors invite you to experience the timeless beauty and functionality that have shaped Japanese interiors for generations.

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