Shoji (show-gee) are sliding paper screens used in Japanese decor that act as door and
dividers between spaces.
Consisting of a wooden frame backed by thick rice paper called washi, shoji
allow light to shine through and at the same time provide privacy.
The design of the wooden frame of a shoji screen can range from a simple rectangular grid
to a Mondrian pattern to an ornate (flat) woodcut. Most often shoji use plain rice paper, but
many shoji paper backings are painted, especially on the thicker interior shoji
called fusuma that divide bedrooms.
Shoji can also be used as windows, corner pieces, bookcase and closet covers, and dressing screens.