Sudare

File:Sei Shonagon2.jpg

The writer Sei Shōnagon standing behind a

File:Imperial Throne of Shishinden in Kyoto Imperial Palace.jpg

protecting the view to the Imperial throne in the of Kyoto Imperial Palace

File:Expo 2005 of Satsuki and Mei’s House 04.jpg

Less formal (but still cloth-bound) in a common home; from the more brightly-lit side, they are opaque

File:Shinkansen 800 Series Interior-2.jpg

on a train; from the more dimly-lit side, they are transparent

are traditional Japanese screens or blinds, made of horizontal slats of decorative wood, bamboo, or other natural material, woven together with simple string, colored yarn, or other decorative material to make nearly solid blinds can be either rolled or folded up out of the way. They are also sometimes called , particularly if they have a green fabric hem. , non-hanging , are made of vertical slats of common reed and used as screen.

are used in many Japanese homes to shield the verandah and other openings of the building from sunlight, rain, and insects. They are normally put up in spring and taken down again in autumn. Their light structure allows breezes to pass through, a benefit in the hot Japanese summers. Since the building materials are easy to find, can be made cheaply.

Elaborate for palaces and villas used high-quality bamboo, with expensive silk and gold embroidery worked in. Sometimes they featured paintings, most often on the inside; some Chinese screens had symbols painted on the outside as well.

Social role

• Outside view of the Imperial Palace from The Tale of Genji. From this viewpoint, it would not be possible to see through the Script error: No such module "lang".; artistic license is used.
  Outside view of the Imperial Palace from The Tale of Genji. From this viewpoint, it would not be possible to see through the ; artistic license is used.
• Inside view of the same scene from The Tale of Genji
  Inside view of the same scene from The Tale of Genji

protect the inhabitants of the building not only from the elements, but also from the eyes of outsiders. They are featured prominently in The Tale of Genji.

During the Heian period (794–1185), a court lady would conceal herself behind a screen when speaking with a man outside her immediate family. She could peep through it and see her interlocutor, but because he had to remain at a distance from it, he could not see her. Only with her permission might he step closer and only she would ever raise the screen. Any unwarranted moves on the man's part were seen as a grave breach of etiquette and a threat against the lady's honour.

were also used in imperial audiences. Since looking directly at the was forbidden, he would sit hidden behind a screen in the throne hall, with only his shoes showing. This practice fell out of use as imperial power declined.

Modern production

Following the Edo period (1603–1867) and in the ensuing Meiji period (1868–1911), the production of went into decline and became a traditional handicraft, but they still are sold and shipped abroad by various companies. These are typically woven on looms.

File:Hirafuku inaba06s2816.jpg

Examples of or screens outside a shop in Hyōgo Prefecture

Museum

A museum in Amano-cho, Kawachinagano, Osaka traces the history of . Tools and machines used to manufacture them, as well as from other countries, are on display.

Gallery

• Script error: No such module "lang". in the street leading to Tatsumi Bridge in Gion, Kyoto.
  in the street leading to Tatsumi Bridge in Gion, Kyoto.
• Script error: No such module "lang". of various ages on a street in Kyoto. These are not cloth-bound at the edges.
  of various ages on a street in Kyoto. These are not cloth-bound at the edges.
• Summerhouse made of Script error: No such module "lang".; stems are vertical.
  Summerhouse made of ; stems are vertical.
• Script error: No such module "lang". shading the Script error: No such module "lang". (wooden lattice) of a teahouse; the sign says "Tea".
  shading the (wooden lattice) of a teahouse; the sign says "Tea".
• Script error: No such module "lang". on a three-story Script error: No such module "lang". at dusk. Opaque Script error: No such module "lang". shutters may soon be put up for privacy.
  on a three-story at dusk. Opaque shutters may soon be put up for privacy.

External links

• Template:Sister-inline
• Sudare museum Template:In lang
• Edo Sudare Template:In lang
• Hirata Sudare:Long-established store in Kyoto Template:In lang
• Interview with Sudare craftsman, Otoji Kawasaki of Kyoto Template:In lang