Shoji

Originating over one thousand years ago, shoji screens have become synonymous with the simplicity and elegance found in the interiors of Asian homes. The styles have not changed much over the years but the Western world is now becoming more appreciative of shoji screens for the graceful style and functionality they provide.

The basic shoji screen is made from a wooden frame with a horizontal and vertical grid system. A layer of hand-made paper is adhered to the back of the frame. The screen will divide a room into different areas and also allow light to pass through, creating the sense of a larger, brighter room. Screens can also be used strictly for ornamentation.

Over the centuries Shoji screens have typically been designed one of two ways. The paper was left unornamented and adhered to the back of the wooden grid, or the grid was not used and the paper was applied directly to the shoji frame and decorated with calligraphy, Asian landscape imagery or other objects.

I combine the two traditional methods to produce what I call "Mosaic Shoji". First, hand-made Japanese paper is applied to the wooden frame. Next, I design, cut and apply an image onto the first layer of paper using contrasting types of Japanese paper.