Craftsman called "Tategu-shi"

Last time, we introduced “hyogu-shi.” This time, we introduce another craftsman “tategu-shi,” a different kind of house fixtures craftsman.

 “Tategu-shi” is a craftsman who makes mobile partition “tategu,” mainly wooden doors installed inside of a house or at the house gate. Tategu-shi also produces “fusuma,” sliding wooden and paper door installed in a house, as introduced in our previous blog.

Originally, tategu was brought from ancient China as one of temple

architecture. As time went by, it became to be used as the partition of dwelling space. Tategu also has other purposes: soundproof, heat insulation and decoration.

Kihara Fusuma, Focus Japan’s parent workshop, mainly manufactures fusuma and byobu, Japanese folding screen. Fusuma is used rather for practical use in Japanese traditional houses, whereas byobu is for interior decoration.

 Here are some pictures of actual fusuma-making.

This picture shows adhering the wooden frame and paper with bond.

 This shows tightly-fixing the frame edge with nails.

As you can see, fusuma is also handmade furniture like byobu by those craftsmen.


Written by Yabuuchi

Craftsmen Called “Hyogu-Shi” (house fixtures craftsmen)

Folding screen that Focus Japan introduces is produced by craftsmen called “hyogu-shi” (house fixtures craftsmen). This time, let us introduce about them.

 Hyogu-shi are craftsmen who produce ornament goods such as fusuma (papered door), byobu (folding screen), etc. using woods, cloth, and papers. Referring to folding screen, the hyogu-shi fabricates sophisticated interior goods from pure cloth and wood.

 Hyogu-shi is a profession that requires delicate sensibility.  One of the features of their work is that each product is custom-made.  Each folding screen is made to suit each unique house or room. So, they compare variety of papers and woods to find the best match to produce the only one byobu in the world. Because each material has its uniqueness, and the color, brightness, tone, style and size of space are all different among each other.

Hyogu-shi embodies a Japanese craftsmanship, makes each individual product by hand with their expert skills by time and care. Not only skills, but also keen sensibility is indispensable. Furthermore, it is needless to say that high concentration is another important capability. Hyogu-shi, as well as other Japanese craftsmen, are not mere workers, but are real artists.

Written by Yabuuchi