Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Fusuma

Fusuma (襖) are traditional Japanese sliding doors composed of lightweight wooden frames covered with thick, opaque paper or fabric, designed to slide along tracks in the floor and ceiling to partition or separate rooms in a flexible manner.^[1] These doors originated during the Muromachi period (1333–1573) as part of the shoin-style architecture, evolving from monastic study rooms into formal reception spaces in aristocratic homes and temples.^[2] In construction, fusuma typically feature a lattice of cedar or bamboo within the frame, stretched with multiple layers of durable washi paper on both sides for opacity and sound insulation, distinguishing them from translucent shoji screens.^[3] They are commonly used in tatami-matted rooms (washitsu) found in ryokans, tea houses, and traditional residences, allowing spaces to be reconfigured for privacy, gatherings, or seasonal airflow.^[4] Historically, fusuma often served as canvases for artistic decoration, including paintings, calligraphy, or gold-leaf motifs by renowned artists, particularly during the opulent Momoyama period (1573–1615), enhancing their role in aesthetic and cultural expression.^[2] Today, while modern adaptations incorporate synthetic materials for durability, authentic fusuma remain integral to preserving Japan's architectural heritage in cultural sites and heritage buildings.^[1]

Definition and Characteristics

Physical Description

Fusuma are vertical rectangular panels employed as sliding partitions or doors in traditional Japanese architecture, allowing spaces to be divided or reconfigured flexibly. They typically measure approximately 91 cm in width and 182 cm in height, corresponding to the standard dimensions of a tatami mat, though modern iterations often extend to 190 cm tall to suit contemporary human heights.^[3] At their core, fusuma feature a lightweight wooden lattice frame composed of vertical kumite members and horizontal hirabone muntins, with reinforced corner boards and central supports for stability. This frame is covered on both sides with opaque materials such as thick washi paper, silk, or cloth, secured to the edges to ensure durability and privacy. A finishing border of lacquered or precious wood is then applied around the perimeter.^[5] Each panel includes a hikite, or finger catch—typically a round pull made of wood, metal, or porcelain—mounted on a dedicated board that joins the central horizontal muntin, facilitating smooth side-to-side movement along tracks. Multiple fusuma panels integrate seamlessly in tatami-mat rooms, forming temporary walls or entrances while their lightweight construction, often around 2–3 cm thick, permits easy handling by a single person.^[6]^[5] Unlike the translucent shoji panels, fusuma maintain full opacity through their dense coverings, prioritizing seclusion over light diffusion.^[5]

Distinction from Similar Elements

Fusuma panels are distinguished from shōji primarily by their opacity, as fusuma are covered with thick, opaque paper or cloth that blocks light entirely, whereas shōji feature translucent washi paper over a lattice frame to diffuse natural light softly into interiors.^[3]^[7] This contrast in light permeability underscores their differing aesthetic roles: fusuma prioritize seclusion, while shōji enhance ambient illumination.^[3] In terms of function, fusuma serve mainly as interior room dividers or sliding doors within traditional Japanese homes, allowing flexible reconfiguration of living spaces, whereas shōji are frequently employed as exterior windows or semi-permanent screens to connect indoor areas with outdoor views.^[3]^[8] Fusuma typically measure around 91 cm wide by 182–190 cm high, aligning with tatami room proportions for seamless integration.^[9] Fusuma exhibit a heavier and more durable build compared to the lightweight, easily removable shōji, enabling better privacy and sound insulation through their thicker materials, which muffle noise more effectively than shōji's permeable structure.^[3]^[10] The term "fusuma" originates from the Japanese word for bedding or covering (衾), evoking its conceptual role as a protective "blanket" for rooms, and historically referenced an early hybrid form known as fusuma-shōji, which combined opaque coverings with sliding functionality.^[11]^[12]^[13]

History

Origins in Heian Period

The Heian period (794–1185 CE) marked the emergence of fusuma as a key element in Japanese architecture, particularly within the shinden-zukuri style that defined aristocratic residences in the capital of Heian-kyō (modern Kyoto). Influenced by Chinese imports of folding screens and room dividers introduced during the preceding Nara period (710–794 CE), fusuma were adapted to suit the flexible, open layouts of Japanese elite homes, emphasizing natural materials and spatial adaptability over rigid Chinese symmetrical designs.^[14]^[15] In their original form, known as fusuma-shōji or karakami-shōji, these panels combined opaque coverings—typically layers of thick paper or silk—with early lattice frameworks, distinguishing them from purely translucent shōji while providing both durability and light diffusion for nobility residences. This hybrid design allowed for lightweight, slidable structures that replaced heavier wooden boards or fabrics, reflecting a maturation of sliding partition technology refined from Nara-era precedents.^[11]^[14] Fusuma initially served as decorative room dividers in imperial palaces and high-ranking estates, evolving from hanging curtains (tsuitate) to fully operational slidable panels that enabled multi-room configurations for enhanced privacy in aristocratic settings. In shinden-zukuri layouts, they separated the central main hall (shinden) from subsidiary buildings connected by covered corridors, facilitating ceremonial and daily functions while maintaining an airy, interconnected interior.^[14]^[16] Earliest evidence of fusuma appears in historical scrolls, such as the Genji Monogatari Emaki (Tale of Genji Picture Scroll, ca. 12th century), which depicts them in use within opulent court interiors, underscoring their role in delineating private spaces amid the era's elaborate social rituals. Archaeological reconstructions, including those of the Fujiwara family's Tōsandōden residence, further corroborate their presence through excavated post-and-beam foundations supporting slidable partitions.^[16]^[14]

Evolution Through Edo Period

During the Muromachi period (1336–1573), fusuma underwent significant advancements in their application within Zen Buddhist temples, integrating seamlessly into monastic architecture to facilitate flexible spatial divisions. At Daitoku-ji in Kyoto, a prominent Rinzai Zen temple complex, fusuma were employed in sub-temples to partition rooms while allowing for the display of ink paintings that aligned with Zen principles of simplicity and introspection.^[17] This period's shift in political power to the samurai class further influenced fusuma's evolution, as temple designs began incorporating elements suited for guest reception and ceremonial functions, building on earlier Heian influences.^[16] The intervening Momoyama period (1568–1615) represented a pinnacle for fusuma in elite settings, particularly daimyo castles, where they were used to subdivide expansive, dimly lit interiors into multifunctional spaces that emphasized grandeur and authority. These fusuma often featured lavish decorations applied to wooden frames covered in opaque paper or cloth, reflecting the era's opulent aesthetic and reinforcing social hierarchies among the military elite.^[18] Such innovations in castle architecture highlighted fusuma's role as both practical partitions and symbols of power during a time of unification and castle construction booms. By the Edo period (1603–1868), fusuma achieved widespread standardization in everyday architecture, driven by explosive urban growth in cities like Edo, where the population exceeded one million due to the shogunate's sankin kōtai system requiring daimyo to maintain residences. This urbanization extended fusuma beyond temples and castles into common homes, including shogunate kaisho gathering halls for social and administrative purposes. A key shift occurred in materials, with the adoption of more affordable Edo Karakami paper—featuring thousands of accessible, colorful woodblock-printed patterns—enabling their proliferation in merchant machiya townhouses and lower-ranking samurai dwellings, democratizing a feature once reserved for nobility.^[16]^[19]^[20]

Construction and Materials

Frame and Covering

The frame of a fusuma panel is constructed as a lightweight wooden lattice, typically using Japanese cedar or bamboo for their strength, low weight, and resistance to warping under tension.^[21]^[22] Fusuma panels typically measure 91.5 cm (36 in) wide by 183 cm (72 in) high and 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 in) thick.^[3] This lattice consists of thin horizontal and vertical laths joined with techniques such as hozo joins to form a stable core that evenly distributes stress.^[21] The outer edges of the frame are protected and finished with black lacquer applied over cypress wood reinforced with gauze, providing both durability against wear and a refined aesthetic.^[21]^[23] Additional cloth or paper reinforcements are incorporated during assembly to further bolster the structure.^[21] Coverings are applied to both sides of the lattice using rice paste, typically comprising multiple layers of thick washi paper—such as kozo made from mulberry bark—for opacity, insulation, and a smooth surface.^[21]^[24] The layering process begins with a strong base of thick paper, followed by intermediate sheets blended with gampi fibers and clay for added resilience and evenness, then topped with finer kozo layers.^[21] Variations in covering materials include silk or cloth for elite panels, especially in earlier constructions, which increase thickness and provide a luxurious texture compared to standard mulberry paper applications.^[24]^[25] These assemblies ensure the panels remain lightweight yet robust, facilitating their role in flexible interior spaces.^[21]

Sliding Mechanism

The sliding mechanism of fusuma relies on a system of wooden rails that guide the panels along precise tracks, enabling smooth horizontal movement while maintaining structural integrity in traditional Japanese interiors. The upper rail, known as the kamoi, is a head jamb typically constructed from wood and featuring grooves on its underside to accommodate the top edges of the fusuma panels.^[26] Complementing this is the lower rail, or shikii, a square timber threshold embedded in the floor with shallow grooves aligned level with the tatami mats, which supports and directs the bottom of the panels during operation.^[27] These wooden components, often integrated into the building's frame during construction, ensure the panels glide effortlessly without additional support, with the grooves providing both guidance and stability for multiple panels to slide and stack adjacent to one another when opened.^[28] In traditional setups, the fusuma panels are suspended and guided solely by plain wood grooves in the kamoi and shikii, where the panel edges fit directly into the channels, allowing for low-friction movement achieved through careful woodworking.^[28] The design permits easy removal by lifting the panels out of the tracks, facilitating seasonal reconfiguration of room layouts to adapt to changing needs, such as opening spaces for gatherings or storage.^[26] This removable quality underscores the mechanism's flexibility, with panels typically installed in floor-to-ceiling tracks spanning the width of interior openings, supported by the lightweight wooden frames detailed in fusuma construction.^[28] Modern variants of fusuma incorporate enhancements for reduced friction and durability, often replacing traditional grooves with ball-bearing rollers attached to the top frame of the panels, which roll along metal or reinforced tracks for quieter and smoother operation in contemporary settings.^[29] Some installations use vinyl strips lining the tracks to minimize wear and noise, particularly in homes blending traditional aesthetics with updated hardware, while retaining the core suspension via top-mounted wheels or hooks that engage the upper rail.^[30]

Decoration and Artistic Traditions

Fusuma-e Paintings

Fusuma-e denotes the artistic tradition of painting directly on the paper surfaces of fusuma panels, a practice that flourished under the Kano school, where artists utilized mineral pigments known as iwa-enogu for their vivid, long-lasting hues derived from natural minerals. These pigments, ground into fine powders and mixed with animal glue, allowed for bold, layered applications that captured intricate details in landscapes, figures, and natural elements. The Kano school's dominance in this medium during the late Muromachi through Edo periods established fusuma-e as a hallmark of Japanese interior decoration, transforming functional sliding doors into expansive mural-like compositions.^[31]^[32] Techniques for creating fusuma-e often involved the mekuri process, in which panels were detached from their wooden frames to enable easier painting in a studio setting, sometimes resulting in their later remounting as byōbu folding screens for portability or display. In elite contexts, such as castles and temples, artists incorporated gold leaf to produce kin-fusuma, where thin sheets of gold created luminous backgrounds that enhanced the ethereal quality of the scenes and symbolized opulence and divine light. This method, applied over the paper surface after gesso priming, reflected the period's emphasis on integrating artistry with architectural luxury.^[24]^[33] The peak of fusuma-e production occurred in the 16th and 17th centuries, coinciding with the Momoyama and early Edo periods, when patronage from warlords and shoguns spurred monumental works infused with Zen Buddhist philosophy. Motifs frequently evoked impermanence (mujō), such as cherry blossoms in fleeting bloom or birds in flight, underscoring the transient beauty of life in line with wabi-sabi aesthetics. Notable examples include the nature scenes at Obai-in Temple, a subtemple of Daitoku-ji in Kyoto, painted by Unkoku Togan during the Momoyama period (late 16th century), featuring dynamic landscapes with temples and foliage that blend Chinese ink traditions with Japanese vitality. Similarly, at Daitoku-ji's Shinjuan subtemple, late Muromachi period panels by Soga Jasoku depict ink landscapes with Zen influences through expressive brushwork and minimalist compositions.^[34]^[17]^[35]

Symbolic Motifs and Styles

Fusuma decorations frequently feature motifs drawn from seasonal nature, such as mountains, forests, and animals, which evoke the transient beauty of the natural world.^[36] These elements, including pine trees, cherry blossoms, and birds, symbolize the impermanence and imperfection central to wabi-sabi aesthetics, a Japanese philosophy that embraces the fleeting cycles of life and the rustic charm of the imperfect.^[37]^[38] In traditional designs, such motifs transform the panels into reflective surfaces that harmonize interior spaces with the external environment, underscoring themes of transience without overt narrative complexity. Stylistically, fusuma decorations contrast Yamato-e, a native Japanese approach emphasizing stylized landscapes and seasonal motifs with bright colors and gold accents, against Chinese-influenced ink paintings (kara-e) that adopt monochromatic brushwork and more formal compositions.^[39] Yamato-e motifs often depict indigenous scenes like rolling hills or autumn foliage, rendered in a manner that prioritizes emotional resonance over realism, while kara-e introduces subtle gradients and philosophical depth inspired by Tang dynasty traditions.^[39] For minimalist rooms, particularly in tea houses or everyday dwellings, undecorated mulberry paper (washi) covers provide a subdued, plain aesthetic that enhances spatial serenity and aligns with wabi-sabi principles of simplicity.^[3] The evolution of fusuma styles reflects broader artistic shifts, transitioning from the ornate gold-leaf embellishments of the Momoyama period (1573–1615), where lavish motifs adorned grand castle interiors to convey power and opulence, to the more subdued patterns of the Edo period (1615–1868) suited for urban homes and merchant spaces.^[18]^[31] In the Momoyama era, decorations featured bold, layered gold backgrounds with dynamic natural scenes, but by the Edo period, simpler printed karakami papers with restrained floral or geometric designs became prevalent, promoting accessibility and everyday elegance.^[40] As movable walls, fusuma embody the flexibility inherent in Japanese spatial philosophy, allowing rooms to adapt fluidly to social needs and emphasizing the concept of ma—the dynamic interplay of space and void.^[41] This functional symbolism reinforces transience by enabling impermanent divisions, mirroring wabi-sabi's acceptance of change and impermanence in architectural form.^[38]

Usage and Cultural Significance

Role in Traditional Architecture

Fusuma played a central role in traditional Japanese machiya townhouses and castles by enabling the creation of flexible, multi-purpose rooms without relying on fixed walls. In the narrow layouts of machiya, these opaque sliding panels allowed residents to divide and reconfigure spaces for living, working, and storage, adapting to the constraints of urban environments.^[42] Similarly, in castles, fusuma partitioned expansive interiors into versatile areas for administrative duties, sleeping quarters, and defense preparations, supporting the dynamic needs of feudal residences.^[43] These panels also enhanced airflow and light management in Japan's humid subtropical climate, improving the comfort of tatami-floored spaces. By sliding open, fusuma facilitated cross-ventilation with air velocities reaching approximately 2 m/s near openings and 1.5 m/s within rooms, effectively reducing indoor humidity and promoting natural cooling.^[44] Their heavy paper covering diffused soft, indirect light while blocking harsh glare, creating serene environments that complemented the absorbent properties of tatami mats for overall livability.^[45] Socially, fusuma supported reconfiguration for hosting guests, maintaining privacy in family zones, or expanding areas for ceremonies, reflecting the fluid nature of Japanese domestic life. This versatility permitted rapid adjustments to spatial arrangements, such as opening panels to welcome visitors or closing them to shield intimate family interactions.^[25] In shogunate residences, fusuma were used to divide rooms for formal gatherings, banquets, and poetry sessions in reception areas like kaisho halls, underscoring their importance in elite social and political functions.^[46] In the Japanese tea ceremony, known as chanoyu, fusuma played a pivotal role in creating intimate and impermanent spaces within soan tea houses, as exemplified by the designs of Sen no Rikyū in the late 16th century. These humble structures emphasized simplicity and humility, with fusuma serving as opaque partitions that could be adjusted to foster a sense of transience and focus on the ritual, aligning with wabi aesthetics that prioritize rustic imperfection over grandeur.^[16]^[47] The symbolic flexibility of fusuma mirrored core Zen principles of adaptability and mindfulness, allowing hosts to reconfigure spatial arrangements dynamically during ceremonies to enhance the contemplative atmosphere. By enabling fluid transitions between areas, fusuma supported essential host-guest dynamics, where the host could guide interactions through subtle environmental cues, promoting harmony (wa) and respect (kei) in the ritual's flow.^[16]^[47] In the residences of daimyo and powerful warlords during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573–1603), fusuma evolved into ornate panels that displayed wealth and reinforced social hierarchy, often adorned with lavish gold-leaf paintings by artists like those of the Kano school. These decorations influenced etiquette by delineating spaces according to rank, where the opulence of fusuma in reception halls underscored the patron's status and shaped formal interactions among elites.^[31]^[16] Spanning a thousand-year tradition originating in the Heian period (794–1185), fusuma represented the culmination of tea room design, integrating practical division with profound cultural symbolism to embody Japanese spatial philosophy.^[5]^[16]

Modern Adaptations and Preservation

Contemporary Applications

In contemporary Japanese architecture and interiors, fusuma continue to be integrated into renovated urban homes to maximize space efficiency in compact apartments. For instance, large multi-panel configurations, such as sets of up to nine panels, are employed to conceal functional areas like bathrooms, storage shelves, or office nooks, allowing seamless transitions between private and open spaces while preserving a sense of fluidity.^[3]^[48] This approach is evident in projects like the Villa Nagiso Renovation, where fusuma panels adapt traditional partitioning to modern living requirements, enhancing versatility without compromising aesthetic harmony.^[48] Hybrid fusuma designs incorporate synthetic materials such as vinyl or laminated surfaces over traditional wooden frames, improving durability and ease of maintenance for non-residential settings like offices and commercial spaces. These adaptations replace fragile paper coverings with tear-resistant alternatives, making fusuma suitable for high-traffic environments while retaining their sliding functionality.^[49] Such innovations allow fusuma to function as flexible dividers in contemporary workspaces, blending cultural elements with practical needs.^[49] For aesthetic enhancement in hospitality venues, modern fusuma panels often feature printed graphics inspired by traditional motifs, including cherry blossoms or folding fans, to evoke seasonal beauty and cultural depth. These digitally printed designs appear in hotels and ryokans, where they serve as decorative focal points on room dividers, contributing to immersive guest experiences without altering the core sliding structure.^[49]^[50]

Restoration and Cultural Heritage Efforts

Efforts to restore and preserve fusuma have gained momentum in recent decades, driven by recognition of their role in Japan's intangible cultural heritage. In 2020, UNESCO inscribed traditional Japanese architectural craftsmanship, including techniques for conserving timber-framed structures like fusuma, on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, emphasizing the importance of skilled artisans in maintaining historical buildings against environmental threats.^[51] This recognition has bolstered temple conservation projects, such as those at Obai-in, a sub-temple of Daitoku-ji in Kyoto, where Momoyama-period (1568–1615) fusuma panels depicting landscapes and figures are preserved, ensuring their survival through meticulous repair methods.^[34] A primary challenge in fusuma preservation is deterioration caused by high humidity, which warps paper surfaces, fades pigments, and weakens adhesives over time.^[52] Miyaeshi artisans, specialists in temple and shrine decoration, address these issues through miyaeshi techniques, such as reapplying traditional glues, repairing damaged paper edges, and repainting with mineral-based colors to restore structural integrity and aesthetic fidelity.^[52] One notable example is the 2020 recreation of the "Chigusa no Hana no Maru" fusuma at Daiou-in Temple in Kyoto, where artist Yasukawa Nyofu—Japan's sole practicing miyaeshi—reproduced 43 circular flower motifs based on Meiji-era sketches by Shibata Zeshin, using gold paper and natural pigments to revive lost imperial designs while adhering to historical methods.^[53] Modern exhibitions and private initiatives further promote public access to restored fusuma, enhancing cultural appreciation. The Nezu Museum in Tokyo hosted a 2022 exhibition, "Fusuma Paintings in the Shoguns’ Residence," which reconstructed Muromachi-period (1336–1573) designs through surviving folding screens, highlighting preservation strategies for vanished artworks and their ties to shogunal aesthetics.^[54] Similarly, a 400-year-old set of "Kacho-zu" (birds and flowers) fusuma panels, owned by the Miyakoshi family in Aomori Prefecture since the early 20th century, has been made available for public viewing at their estate during seasonal openings, with plans for joint exhibitions alongside matching panels at the British Museum to underscore collaborative heritage efforts (as of 2024).^[55]

References

[1]
Traditional Japanese-style tatami rooms - Japan Guide
Feb 25, 2025 · Fusuma are sliding doors made up of wooden frames covered in thick, opaque paper. The doors are typically used between adjoining rooms akin to ...Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
[2]
Shōin Room - Japan - The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The refined proportions of the room, with its large alcove (tokonoma), flooring of grass mats (tatami), and decorated sliding doors (fusuma) for walls, marked ...
[3]
[PDF] Influences and Impacts of Westernization on Japanese Architecture
Traditional Japanese architecture is among the finest in the world. Japan's ... These partitions are known as fusuma, and are made of thin wood lathe on which ...
[4]
How to Stay at a Ryokan: Your Room - Japan Guide
May 11, 2025 · Fusuma are sliding doors covered in heavy opaque paper that are used as doors to closets and to separate rooms. Fusuma may be painted or ...Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
[5]
Tea Architecture Terminology - Japan Past & Present
The standard size is approximately 90 cm x 180 cm, although sizes vary from ... Generally speaking, a tatami room that is 4.5 tatami mats (approx 270 sq cm) or ...
[6]
Fusuma: traditional Japanese sliding partitions | Japan Experience
Feb 6, 2024 · Characteristics and dimensions of fusuma panels. Fusuma panels are traditionally 91.5 cm wide and 183 cm high, similar in size to tatami mats.
[7]
JAANUS / fusuma 襖
After the covering is applied to the back and front and secured to all edges of the frame, a finishing frame of lacquered or precious wood is attached.Missing: lattice border
[8]
Japanese Homes and Their Surroundings/Chapter 3 - Wikisource
Nov 21, 2024 · In this case the fusuma is a more solid and durable structure. The ... sliding-door. however, closes the entrance effectually when the ...
[9]
shoji and fusuma
The major difference is that fusuma are made of thick, opaque paper (opaque means that it does not let light through). Therefore, the function of fusuma is ...
[10]
An architectural review of a location: Japan - Rethinking The Future
Both shoji and fusuma are used as interior doors and partitions to divide and subdivide spaces, but only shoji are used as windows, exterior walls, and exterior ...Wood | Japan Architecture · Shoji And Fusuma | Japan... · Modern Japanese Architecture
[11]
https://en.urarekishi.com/2023/06/Fusuma.html
[12]
https://studioflex.eu/japanese-interior-fusuma-%25E8%25A5%2596/
[13]
Japanese Fusuma: A Blend of Art and Functionality - UraRekishi
Jun 27, 2023 · The roots of Fusuma can be traced back to ancient Japan, where they were initially used as shōji (障子) or "barrier screens" made of wooden ...
[14]
JAPANESE INTERIOR: FUSUMA 襖 - Studio Flex
Nov 19, 2018 · Fusuma are sliding doors or sliding walls that were used as flexible room dividers in traditional Japanese houses.Missing: lattice lacquer
[15]
Shoji and Fusuma is a room partition that serves an excellent function.
Fusuma-shoji is a sliding door partitioning an indoor space into small rooms. The heavy paper and cloth on both sides of the wooden frame were painted with ...Missing: hybrid | Show results with:hybrid
[16]
[PDF] Introduction to Japanese Architecture
Historical Origins. According to ancient Chinese records, Japan consisted of warring states around the second century CE. Eventually, over 30 of these ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[17]
The Magnificent History of Japanese Screens - Hyperallergic
Nov 28, 2021 · ... Japanese history and culture from its origins to the 20th century. Screens were first imported to Japan from China in the eighth century.
[18]
FUSUMA, A Thousand Years of History
Fusuma (sliding doors) are traditional Japanese fittings with a history of 1,000 years. It is considered to be the culmination of the "Soan Tea Room" created by ...Missing: etymology | Show results with:etymology
[19]
New Art in an Old Setting: The Shinjuan Painting Project at Daitokuji ...
Aug 15, 2018 · The fusuma in the rooms of the main hall at Shinjuan are decorated with ink brush paintings by Soga Jasoku, a painter of the late Muromachi ...
[20]
Momoyama Period (1573–1615) - The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Oct 1, 2002 · The art of this period was characterized by a robust, opulent, and dynamic style, with gold lavishly applied to architecture, furnishings, paintings, and ...
[21]
Growth of a Great City from the Seeds of Ieyasu's Edo | Nippon.com
Jun 4, 2018 · Under Tokugawa rule, Edo grew into a town and then a city. One of the driving forces behind its rapid development was the sankin kōtai system ...Missing: fusuma standardization
[22]
Fusuma and Folding Screens Affixed With "Edo Karakami" to ...
Sep 15, 2020 · The designs of Edo Karakami reflect the culture of the Edo Period and the tastes of samurai and merchants at that time. Even today, fusuma ...
[23]
[PDF] Immortals and Sages: Paintings from Ryoanji Temple - Buddhism now
very light frame,fusuma frames have to bear a great deal of tension from the paste and papers covering them. The frames must bear this stress evenly without ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[24]
The Wonderful World of Japanese Sliding Doors | Tokyo Wekeender
Jul 27, 2023 · While the make-up of shoji means that they can't have paintings on them like fusuma, they are customizable in different ways.
[25]
The Japanese House: The Basic Elements of Traditional Japanese ...
The term fusuma derives from fusuma shōji, opaque panels used to partition the fusu-ma, or sleeping space. Fusuma may also be known as karakami-shōji, or ...Missing: Heian | Show results with:Heian
[26]
JAANUS / fusuma-e 襖絵
Fusuma are constructed of wooden frames and covered with layers of thick paper (or silk especially in the early periods) on both sides . The panels slide along ...Missing: etymology origin
[27]
Traditional Japanese Houses | Nippon.com
Jul 23, 2016 · Fusuma use heavier paper or sometimes cloth and are opaque, serving as a more distinct barrier. Unlike walls, however, fusuma can easily be ...Missing: construction | Show results with:construction
[28]
JAANUS / kamoi 鴨居
A generic term for a head jamb. Unlike the lintel *magusa まぐさ, kamoi normally have tracks for sliding doors or partitions. Also called uchikamoi 内鴨居.
[29]
JAANUS / shikii 敷居
3 A threshold with grooves for sliding doors, opaque sliding screens *fusuma 襖 or a translucent sliding screen *shouji 障子. ... sashikamoi 指鴨居 (see *kamoi ...
[30]
None
Below is a merged response that consolidates all the information from the provided summaries into a single, comprehensive overview of fusuma descriptions, mechanisms, and related details. To maximize density and clarity, I’ve organized the information into a table in CSV format, followed by a narrative summary that integrates all unique details. This ensures all information is retained while making it easy to reference.
[31]
https://www.metmuseum.org/essays/the-kano-school-of-painting
[32]
Development of Sliding Doors from Ancient Civilizations to the Present
Japanese sliding doors came in two main types: Fusuma: opaque, used as room ... The System 0500 features ball-bearing trolleys, a dual-entry external ...
[33]
The Kano School of Painting - The Metropolitan Museum of Art
His series of sliding doors (fusuma) and folding screens (byōbu) painted with oversize animals, figures, and nature scenes set against scintillating gold foil ...
[34]
https://www.kyohaku.go.jp/eng/learn/home/dictio/kaiga/oubai/
[35]
Masterpieces of Kinpeki Shouhekiga at Chishakuin Temple
Shouhekiga (wall and sliding screen paintings) first appeared around the ninth century on fusuma ... kinpaku gold leaf covering the entire surface of the painting ...Missing: kin- | Show results with:kin-<|separator|>
[36]
About the Fusuma Paintings from Obai-in Temple - Museum Dictionary
These fusuma are owned by Obai-in, a sub-temple of Daitoku-ji, one of the large Zen temples in Kyoto. They were painted in the Momoyama period (1568-1615 AD)Missing: history | Show results with:history
[37]
Ino Takayuki's “Grown up Ikkyū: The Shinjuan Painting Project at ...
Sep 28, 2018 · A grand project to supplement 400-year-old painted fusuma sliding doors with new paintings by six contemporary artists is currently underway at Shinjuan.
[38]
Falling Through Time | Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
May 8, 2019 · In Japan, fusuma are sliding panels that can serve as walls or doors inside the home. Scattered along each bough are a multitude of delicately ...
[39]
painting; panel; door - British Museum
This set of sliding door paintings (fusuma-e) depicts a brilliant scene of birds, flowers, trees and rocks beside an expanse of water, vibrant with life-force.<|control11|><|separator|>
[40]
Japanese Architecture Dictionary
In Japanese architecture, fusuma are vertical rectangular panels which can slide from side to side to redefine spaces within a room, or act as doors.
[41]
Seasonal Imagery in Japanese Art - The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Oct 1, 2004 · Artists in Japan created meditations on the fleeting seasons of life and, through them, expressed essential truths about the nature of human experience.Missing: mountains forests animals
[42]
9 Characteristics of Wabi-Sabi - Simplicable
Nov 11, 2018 · Wabi-sabi is the Japanese aesthetic of imperfection and impermanence. The term is commonly applied to Japanese architecture, gardens, art, ...
[43]
Yamato-e Painting - The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Apr 1, 2012 · Yamato-e, meaning 'Japanese painting,' flourished in the Heian period, using native subjects, stylized figures, bright colors, and techniques ...Missing: wabi- sabi
[44]
Fusuma sliding doors
Feb 1, 2010 · This is a special type of doors, made of a wooden frame coverd with Japanese paper and with a glass panel at the bottom.
[45]
Inspiration: Movable Walls Seen in Traditional Japanese Architecture
Dec 16, 2011 · Even interior spaces could be easily restructured with similar wooden sliding panels covered in heavy opaque paper (fusuma). How NanaWall Glass ...
[46]
Traditional town houses in Kyoto, Japan: present and future
Aug 6, 2025 · Control of indoor airflow is also important to prevent the urgent issue of COVID-19 infection. Ventilation is strongly recommended for ...
[47]
[PDF] Southern Barbarians (Namban byobu) - The Art Institute of Chicago
The fusuma, a type of sliding screen, is made of several layers of paper stretched over light, wooden lattice doors. The selected design is painted on the final ...
[48]
[PDF] evaluation of natural ventilation in traditional japanese ... - AIVC
The study evaluates natural ventilation in three Japanese houses: a traditional well-ventilated house, a postwar house with a central corridor, and a multi- ...
[49]
[PDF] Form and structure in traditional Japanese architecture as an ...
... Fusuma, the opaque paper panel. (Measure and Construction of the Japanese ... definition" (Shelton 1999, p.153). In other word,. Shintoism does not ...
[50]
[PDF] ASHIKAGA FORMAL DISPLAY IN THE MUROMACHI PERIOD by ...
May 21, 2017 · In the kaisho, the magnificence of the displayed and treasured objects was startling to the eyes. The landscape [garden] was fine beyond ...
[51]
None
### Summary of Fusuma in Sen no Rikyu's Tea Rooms, Soan Style, and Related Concepts
[52]
Inside the Japanese Style Room: History, Design, and Modern ...
Jun 1, 2025 · Contemporary Japanese interiors show the enduring influence of shoin architecture, as designers reinterpret traditional elements within modern ...
[53]
Trending Cutting Edge Fusuma - Luxury Home Dividers - Alibaba
Constructed from a lightweight wooden frame covered with paper or fabric over a core of cardboard or wood, fusuma are integral to Japanese architecture.
[54]
custom japanese fusuma doors, fusuma panels - Pacific Shoji Works
Japanese fusuma are opaque sliding panels, typically used as closet doors or room dividers. They can also be used as pocket doors, cabinet doors, and hinged ...Missing: hybrid | Show results with:hybrid
[55]
Fuhu Zouk at Resorts World Las Vegas - Yellow Goat Design
Fuhu Zouk at Resorts World Las Vegas features a custom, digitally printed light inspired by Sakura blossoms, created by Yellow Goat Design.
[56]
Traditional Japanese wooden houses can withstand severe climates ...
Instead of fixed walls, rooms were separated by lightweight, movable “shoji (sliding outer partition)” or “fusuma (sliding door)” with wooden frames covered ...
[57]
Japanese Door Frame(780) - Alibaba.com
Aluminum frames are commonly used in contemporary Japanese architecture and sliding door systems (like fusuma or amado). They resist warping and corrosion ...Missing: lighter | Show results with:lighter
[58]
[PDF] Traditional Japanese Architecture An Exploration Of Elements And ...
- Fusuma: These are opaque sliding doors, often decorated with paintings or calligraphy, used to partition rooms flexibly. This modular approach allows rooms ...
[59]
Japanese architectural craft approved as UNESCO intangible heritage
Dec 18, 2020 · Traditional Japanese architectural craftsmanship used in timber-framed structures was approved Thursday for addition to UNESCO's Intangible ...
[60]
Temple Works / Murals, Buddhist altars - MIYAESHI
The paper and colors are damaged over time and edges are turned outward due to humidity and deterioration of glue. In this case, we repaired damaged parts ...
[61]
Fusuma Paintings | 大雄院 Daiou-in Temple
Based on Shibata Zeshin's sketches of Circular Flower Motifs, Yasukawa Nyofu painted the 'Chigusa' (thousand varieties) flower motifs on fusuma sliding door ...Missing: mekuri | Show results with:mekuri
[62]
Exhibition / Past｜Nezu Museum
The bird-and-flower fusuma paintings in Yoshimasa's Higashiyama residence were in the style of Ma Yuan (n.d.), a Southern Song academy painter. They also ...Missing: peak 17th impermanence cherry
[63]
400-year-old 'fusuma' art in Aomori a 'match' for set in London
Oct 6, 2024 · It is believed the partitions were produced by a painter from the Kano school between the late Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1568-1600) and the early ...