Shoji room dividers are popular in Japan and China and are gaining popularity in America as well. Shoji screens were first used in Japan dating back to the 16th century. The earliest Shoji screens in China date back to the Han Dynasty. Traditionally, Shoji screens and Shoji room dividers were originally made out of rice paper and bamboo. Other Shoji screens can be made out of bamboo, rattan, and wood. Modern Shoji room dividers can be made from several materials such as wood, vinyl, and water proof rice paper.
Shoji room dividers and screens are built in order to hold up well to any handling, and also to function in humid climates. You can have custom Shoji screens made for any occasion and for any room, including the bathroom. Some Shoji room dividers are made with laminated rice paper, allowing them to be durable enough to be used in bathrooms and kitchens. Shoji screens can be used as windows, doors, headboards, and room dividers.
In ancient China, Shoji screens were used for an array of purposes such as tea ceremonies, festivals, room dividing, and outdoor ceremonies. Shoji screens are built to be open and closed which can provide and indoor and outdoor look to any room in the home. They provide soft light that reflects through the thin paper. This makes them the perfect way to soften harsh lighting. Great references here.
