The delicate and timeless beauty of Asian art and home furnishings is currently experienced in the rising use of Shoji screen room dividers. Shoji screen room dividers are seeing an unparalleled popularity in American interior design.
The Seeds of Shoji
Exemplifying a perfect marriage of art and functionality, Shoji screen room dividers are both beautiful and useful. Chinese in origin and dating from the eighth century AD, the original Shoji screens were intended as immobile works of art. Later, the Japanese reinvented and re-imagined the screens, using lighter woods and rice paper so they could be moved easily throughout the home. Today it is still common to find Asian Shoji screens that have been crafted in age-old artisan tradition, in keeping with craftsmanship handed down over many generations.
Much of the Japanese aesthetic is inspired by the philosophy of Buddhism. Seeking to create meditative, intentional living spaces, Shoji screen room separators are designed to be concurrently beautiful and useful. Creating calm over clutter, pieces are straightforward and understated, but Shoji screen room dividers are always striking.
Ancient Art Form Meets Modern Functionality
Considered a fixture in traditional Japanese living spaces, many Japanese Western-style homes utilize Shoji screen dividers, as well. Modern international designers include these functional artworks to separate a space or to cast a beautiful glow in a room while providing privacy or blocking direct sunlight. Shoji screen room separators are also commonly seen as accent pieces, adding a touch of elegance to any dwelling.
While most Shoji screen room dividers are still made with paper panels, more contemporary versions now incorporate modern aesthetics such as grass or bamboo. In the interest of blending Western and Eastern styles, it is increasingly popular to find Shoji screen room dividers that reflect traditional Western tastes. More colors are becoming available, and designers have begun to take liberties in creating more daring and expressive fusion pieces.
Whether you are looking for the calm serenity of traditional Japanese style, or if you seek a blend of East and West, Shoji screen room dividers continue to be an elegant and sophisticated home dÈcor favorite. No matter how you choose to use your Shoji screen, you are certain to be inspired by its usefulness and beauty.