Shoji: How to Design, Build, and Install Japanese Screens (Paperback)

~ Jay van Arsdale (Author) "In his famous essay "In Praise of Shadows," the novelist Junichiro Tanizaki likens a traditional Japanese room to a black and white brush painting, with..." (more)
Key Phrases: horizontal kumiko, shoji making, shoji makers, Port Orford, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Japanese-style shoji screens are translucent, wooden-lattice panels that subtly transform light and space and add an elegant touch to any decor. This book contains all the information you need to design and make shoji for your own home or apartment.

Features
* Notes on aesthetics and design fundamentals
* Complete how-to guide covering basic construction methods, screen materials, and wood selection
* Home projects, including window inserts, sliding and hanging screens, glass panel shoji, double- and single-sided shoji, skylight shoji, decorative wall boxes, and floor and table lanterns
* Introduction to Japanese hand tools and planing and joinery techniques
* Sample lattice patterns, photographs, and line drawings for design and remodeling ideas
* List of suppliers

About the Author

Jay van Arsdale is a carpenter and shoji maker who teaches classes in Japanese tools and woodworking techniques. He lives in Oakland, California.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Kodansha International; 1 edition (October 15, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0870118641
• ISBN-13: 978-0870118647
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #24,858 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #4 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Design & Decorative Arts > Decorative Arts
  #7 in	Books > Professional & Technical > Engineering > Civil > Construction > Carpentry
  #21 in	Books > History > Asia > Japan

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive guide to design & construction of shoji, May 2, 2000

By	Angel Lee "Liocorno Amethyst Moonstone" (Cleveland, OH United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Shoji are the paper paneled wooden lattice screens that are an integral part of traditional Japanese architecture. This book offers comprehensive coverage of the design and construction of Shoji screens.

The main focus is on actually building Shoji. Detailed sections on wood, paper, and tools prepare the craftsman for the projects. Design, joinery and assembly instructions follow.

The theory and functionality of Shoji in transmitting light are explained. Examples in Japanese homes as well as adaptations in Western architecture are shown.

There are several small individual project ideas included to get started. Lists of paper and tool sources are very helpful.

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great how-to for those with some joinery skills., March 1, 1999

By A Customer

Making shoji is not for those who have no woodworking skills, but if you can make basic joints, this book will provide instructions and inspiration onmaking beautiful shoji. If you're not interested in making shoji, it still provides design inspiration. At a current quoted cost of $29/sq. foot for Shoji, learning how-to could be profitable!

48 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not traditional japanese woodwork, but who cares?, August 10, 2004

By	Joe Brewer (Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

JVA uses a simplified approach to building shoji. Odate's book is the one for you if you want to build an authentic shoji using Japanese technique. Having said that, this is an EXCELLENT primer on shoji measurement and building practice for quick screens. I have built screens in both styles and take my word for it that JVA's method is quicker and no-one can tell the difference. Two things: the screen on the cover is NOT the one detailed in the text (check the corners). Also, I would HIGHLY recommend cutting your stiles long (leave a horn) and trimming them off post assembly with the table saw followed by a pass with a plane. Buy it and get building!