What is the difference between shoji and fusuma?

The primary difference between fusuma and shoji is that fusuma are opaque. Although fusuma may be constructed from paper it is typically a thick course grained paper that isn’t translucent. Shoji on the other hand are made from a thin waxed paper that lets light through.

What is a fusuma used for?

A fusuma is a Japanese joinery with a wooden frame, paper and cloth on both sides, and a puller attached. It is used to partition the room, to prevent cold and improve ventilation.

What does fusuma mean in English?

Definition of fusuma : a framed and papered sliding door used to partition off rooms in a Japanese house.

How do you open a fusuma?

It’s the same meaning as the knock on the door in Europe. When you get into the room, put off your hand from Fusuma, push Fusuma at about 30cm from the ground until there is a space where your body can pass. Bow lightly and enter the room. You shouldn’t open to the end.

What is fusuma made out of?

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

Why do Japanese houses have paper walls?

They prevent people from seeing through, but brighten up rooms by allowing light to pass. As paper is porous, shōji also help airflow and reduce humidity. In modern Japanese-style houses they are often set in doors between panes of glass.

What is fusuma made of?

When were fusuma invented?

The oldest existing fusuma are those placed on the dividing nai-jin (the inner sanctuary of a shrine or temple) and ge-jin (the outer part of a shrine or temple where ordinary people worship) at the Fudo hall of the Kongobu-ji Temple on Mt. Koya, which was said to be built in 1197.

What is a Japanese Tokonoma?

tokonoma, alcove in a Japanese room, used for the display of paintings, pottery, flower arrangements, and other forms of art. Household accessories are removed when not in use so that the tokonoma found in almost every Japanese house, is the focal point of the interior.

What mochi means?

Definition of mochi : a doughlike mass made from cooked and pounded glutinous rice used in Japan as an unbaked pastry.

How do you replace Fusuma?

If you’ve damaged a 襖, or fusuma in your house or apartment then you’re probably rightly worried about losing some of your damage deposit….

  1. Remove the lacquer border.
  2. Remove the handle.
  3. Repair any damage, or remove the old paper.
  4. Lay out your replacement paper and glue it up.

What is shoji paper?

Shoji paper is a tough, translucent paper made of wood fibers. Some types are enforced with fiberglass. On the picture left you see a Shoji screen separating our shop from the stockroom.