ORDERING INFORMATION

SHOJI
A shōji is a translucent sliding screen made of a thin, wooden frame covered with washi (rice paper). Shoji are the perfect way to maintain privacy between living spaces while allowing light to filter through. Studio Ōtori builds shoji for interiors only - room dividers, window privacy panels, closet doors, or any similar application. We build both freestanding and sliding shoji systems. Freestanding shoji can be either individual panels with feet or hinged sets of multiple panels. Our sliding shoji systems are designed to be architecturally installed. If your project is in the greater Chicagoland area, it may be possible for us to do your installation for you. If you are not in the Chicagoland area, we are happy to work with your designer, architect or builder as necessary to coordinate installation.

Shoji pricing can vary greatly depending on the the materials you wish to use, the style of screen, installation method, and the complexity of the kumiko (lattice) pattern.

• Materials
  Please refer to the Materials page for the various hardwoods, softwoods and washi materials that the studio commonly uses to make shoji. For freestanding folding shoji we recommend Port Orford Cedar because it is beautiful, lightweight, and most similar to the traditional hinoki wood used for centuries in Japan. For an installation (depending on use) we might recommend hardwood, such as birch or walnut, which can stand up to more abuse. We offer a wide selection of rice papers of various patterns and textures as well as various plastic sheet products (again, more durable) in place of paper, up to 1/4" thick.
  
  
• Style
  There are many traditional shoji styles to choose from, or we can customize a style for you. Some basic styles include akari-shoji (latticed from top to bottom), ma-shoji (hip-board at base), and nekomi-shoji / yukimi-shoji (shoji with internal sliding panels).
  
  We build shoji that are either one-sided (kumiko on one face of the screen) or two-sided (kumiko on both faces of the screen). The term "one-sided" for shoji with paper washi can be a bit misleading; though the kumiko is covered with paper on one side, this back side is still "finished" and is presentable if facing into a room. The kumiko become visible on the "paper" side when light shines through. However, for one-sided shoji with rigid plastic washi, the studio usually uses mechanical fasteners on the back side of the panels to prevent the plastic from rattling or warping. This arrangement is especially well suited for closet doors, where the back side of the shoji are usually hidden. For shoji that will be seen from both sides, we usually recommend a one-sided shoji if you are using paper washi, and a two-sided shoji if you select plastic material. However, this is not a rule, and we will work with you to determine the best design for your specific use.
  
  
• Installation
  For architecturally installed shoji, Studio Ōtori offers either (traditional) matching top and bottom wood tracks or (modern) metal track systems. We will work with you to design a track configuration to fit your application. This is important to ensure that the number of panels you wish to use will stack comfortably within the depth of the wall or frame where the shoji is installed.
  
  
• Kumiko Patterns
  Kumiko, or shoji lattice work, can be anything from a very simple, regular grid to a complex geometric pattern. Traditionally, kumiko were spaced to accommodate standard 9" to 11" wide washi (rice paper) sizes. Now that washi (and plastic substitutes) are available in larger sizes, there is a lot more flexibility in selecting a kumiko pattern. Kumiko are what gives a shoji screen its character - choose any kumiko pattern that appeals to you. Typically, a more complex kumiko pattern will increase your final price.

SHOJI PRICING SUMMARY

Because of the custom nature of our shoji projects, prices are quoted "per square foot" of shoji panel.

As a general guideline, one-sided Port Orford Cedar akari-shōji with a simple gridded kumiko pattern and basic washi paper starts at about $36 per square foot. Unstained, clear-coat finished hardwood akari-shoji with 'Lumasite' washi (our most used and recommended material- see the materials page) start at about $45 per square foot. Two-sided shoji, adding hipboards to each panel, more complicated kumiko patterns, or stained wood will increase the per square foot price. Please note that we do not offer black lacquer finish- it is a very specialized art that we do not practice. For architecturally installed shoji, matching wood sliding top and bottom tracks or metal track systems are provided at an additional cost. Prices are adjusted accordingly for larger projects.
If you have browsed the 'projects' section of our website, you will see the that although we specialize in shoji, the studio has designed and built a number of other projects. If you are interested in any of the work you see on our site, or would like to have us build your shoji, please contact us at shoji@studio-otori.com for more information.