Shoji

/ˈʃoʊdʒi/ noun

Definition

A traditional Japanese sliding door or room divider made with a wood frame and translucent paper.

Etymology

From Japanese 'shōji' (paper door), from 'shō' (open) + 'ji' (paper). The word entered English in the 1800s as Western interest in Japanese architecture and design grew.

Kelly Says

Shoji screens let light through but maintain privacy—they're so effective that modern minimalist architects are still copying them for contemporary homes, proving that 500-year-old Japanese design solved problems that architects are 'discovering' now!

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