by Jay van Arsdale

Review by Mark Gezella – May 2004

Have you ever had a need for a new wall in your house?  Any plans to make a room divider, closet door or simple privacy screen?  If so, you might just want to consider incorporating a bit of Japanese influence in your design.

This article focuses on Shoji; panels created through a marriage of wood and paper materials.  As you're probably aware, this type of construction is used extensively in parts of the eastern world.  Shoji are quite versatile, serving as partitions, doors, "borrow lights", room dividers, etc.  I like them because they are constructed with straight-forward joinery, light-weight and can be either permanent or mobile.  They convey a sense of grace with their simple elegance.  They are conveniently employed as effective partitions due to their light-weight characteristics.  They're definitely not substantive - how many times have you seen "bad guys" go crashing through these panels in Japanese action movies?!

Most shoji are made from softwoods and "softer" hardwoods.  Traditional woods of Japan are cedar and redwood.  Some substitutes employed in the West include jelutong, Port Orford cedar, and even walnut and teak.  Shoji are traditionally crafted by a single artisan through the use of hand tools. Saws, chisels, marking knives, planes and even lesser thought-of tools like chalk-lines are an important part of the makers toolbox.  I'm really intrigued by the tools and techniques employed by these masters.  Those that adhere to the highest standards would never think of sanding Shoji, or painting them for that matter.  I recall excerpts that describe how Japanese woodworkers sprinkle water on a board just prior to planing.  It softens the grain just enough to allow the iron to penetrate for a smoother finish.  They claim this technique enables them to slice micro-thin, ribbon-like shavings from a piece of stock.

I've read other books and articles that describe the cycle of apprenticeship through master craftsman along with tools and their makers.  It is an extremely strict discipline that I can't help but imagine many westerners would throw out as ridiculous.  I've read accounts of masters who refuse to warm themselves on a jobsite in the dead of winter (a feat of strict self-discipline), who seize well-crafted tooling from apprentices (who, at that level are yet underserving of fine implements) and who, if you can imagine, are sometimes done with their workday once they drive a single nail into a block of wood!

When I think of the Orient, I tend to evoke images of temples, secret gardens, etc. usually with some sort of adjunct mysticism.  My guess is these are probably common perceptions due to being influenced by what is read, heard and/or seen from western publications.  Though highly-developed eastern industrial environs are known for high-output, fast-paced, efficient production, traditional master craftsmen subscribe to a different approach to craft.  The preface by the author describes it in detail;  "...it is a methodical, tranquil approach, with a spirit akin to intense worship...".  As Mr. Arsdale states, (in order to craft successfully) "...You must conquer the "dragon within" and learn with the mind, hand and heart...".  The masters do not only pursue an occupation but an entire approach to being.

The author also emphasizes a simple premise throughout; that light is a basic essential to our well-being.  Shoji provide a simple means of transmitting copious quantities of light, reinforcing a positive living environment.  The author cites how a relationship with the "rythms" of light and shadow over the course of a day can have a calming effect on a being.  As you may have inferred by now, though the book is a how-to reference for making Shoji, it offers much more by conveying a sense of lifestyle and presence of mind by those involved in this art from another part of the world.

As I flipped through the book I also found a couple of surprises nestled within the pages.  I don't know how or from whom they got there, but some sales brochures are included which give actual samples of paper varieties that can be purchased for making shoji panels.  Another offers additional supplies for those interested.  Some neat supplements thanks to an alert member of the Guild!

Although the book is in good condition, it is actually another older entry in our library (printed in 1988).  It presents some great examples of Shoji use in homes, offices, art galleries, etc.  This is some fascinating stuff.  If you're looking for a unique spin on our craft - this is it.  Check it out - you won't be disappointed.  "Shoji" is currently available for checkout in the Guild library.