free webpage hit counter

Making Of Byobu

Byobu Panels

The lattice and stages of washi application

Byobu Construction Stages

Applying Rice Glue

First, the lattice is covered with rice glue

Gluing the Byobu Frame

Adding the First Washi Layer

Next, the first layer of washi paper is stretched over the lattice

Adding Washi to Byobu

Passing on the Technique

Saito of A-CROSS learns from Master Iohara

Adding Washi to Japanese Screen

Smoothing the Paper

Further layers of washi paper are applied and smoothed out with a brush

Smoothing the Washi

Adding Hinges

The paper hinges between panels are affixed to the frame

Adding Hinges to the Screen

Joining the Panels

The 2 panels are joined using paper hinges, allowing 360° folding motion

Completed Hinges

The Final Washi Layer

The last layer of washi covers the hinges and acts as the backing for the gold leaf

Final Layer of Washi

Applying the Gold Leaf

Gold leaf paper goes over the washi, and the blank screen goes to be painted

Adding Gold Leaf

Adding a Brocade

Once the screen has been painted, a matching silk brocade is placed around the border

Adding a Brocade

Intricate Gluing

To apply glue to the thin inner brocade, it is wrapped around a glued pin

A Thin Brocade being Glued

Adding the Inner Brocade

As an added detail, a thinner silk brocade is added inside the main border, before the screen is placed in a lacquered wooden frame.

Adding the Brocade

The basic structure of a Japanese screen is formed by a wooden lattice frame made of bamboo. This provides a lightweight yet sturdy skeleton for each panel.

Each bamboo-lattice panel is spread with glue made from rice, and Japanese paper ( washi) is laid taut over the frame. 4 layers of washi are added to make a strong, firm base.

Next, the paper hinges are added. These are designed to allow the panels to join together closely, which means that the painting flows smoothly from panel to panel, and also to allow flexibility - a Japanese paper hinge can be rotated 360 degress, in both directions. Finally, a layer of gold leaf paper is laid over the top, and the blank screen goes to be painted. (See our glossary for more explanation of leaf types).

After the screen has been painted, a brocade is added around the edge. Usually this consists of one wide brocade, and a very thin inner brocade of a different colour. Applying glue to the thin brocade is a very tricky process, so a wooden pin is glued, and the brocade wrapped around it.

Once the brocade has been added, a laquered frame is placed around the screen, and the screen is ready to display.

Gallery functions from SmoothGallery by JonDesign . JavaScript is required to view the gallery.