Byobu Panels
The lattice and stages of washi application
Applying Rice Glue
First, the lattice is covered with rice glue
Adding the First Washi Layer
Next, the first layer of washi paper is stretched over the lattice
Passing on the Technique
Saito of A-CROSS learns from Master Iohara
Smoothing the Paper
Further layers of washi paper are applied and smoothed out with a brush
Adding Hinges
The paper hinges between panels are affixed to the frame
Joining the Panels
The 2 panels are joined using paper hinges, allowing 360° folding motion
The Final Washi Layer
The last layer of washi covers the hinges and acts as the backing for the gold leaf
Applying the Gold Leaf
Gold leaf paper goes over the washi, and the blank screen goes to be painted
Adding a Brocade
Once the screen has been painted, a matching silk brocade is placed around the border
Intricate Gluing
To apply glue to the thin inner brocade, it is wrapped around a glued pin
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
The basic structure of a Japanese screen is formed by a wooden lattice frame made of bamboo, which 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. Four layers of washi are added to make a strong, firm base.
Next, the paper hinges are added. The hinges are designed to allow the panels fit flush, allowing the painting to flow smoothly from panel to panel and also to allow flexibility - a Japanese paper hinge can be rotated 360 degrees. Finally, a layer of gold leaf is applied over the washi, and the blank screen is sent to a studio to be hand painted.
After the screen has been painted, an embroidered brocade of silk is added. Usually this consists of one wide brocade and a very thin inner brocade of a contrasting color. As applying glue to the thin brocade can be a very tricky process, a wooden pin is glued, and the brocade wrapped around the pin.
Once the brocade has been added, a lacquered frame encloses the screen, and the screen is ready to display. We also sell a variety of hangers to display your screen. View our hanger gallery here.