japanese antique shoji panel with pine tree trunk pine branches and pine needles

Love Japanese Style Like We Do

An antique kumiko wood panel; a Japanese wood craft found in the shoji doors, windows, screens and ranma of traditional Japanese style homes and originating in the 8th century.

This wonderful hand made shoji screen is put together without using nails or glue. Precision cutting of each small piece creates the perfect tension to keep the design together.

The panel features a beautiful, off-center section of an old gnarled pine tree trunk. Branches laden with pine needles sprawl across the panel filling the void left by the typical asymmetrical style of Japanese design. In Japanese culture, the pine tree is known to represent longevity, good fortune, steadfastness, resilience and even immortality.

The shoji panel is encased in a dark red lacquer frame and is in very good condition, with no pieces missing. It is made from a light Japanese hinoki (cypress) wood and is not too heavy for your wall. The wood is cut at varying angles and there are slight differences in the color tone, depending on where the light hits. There are no fixtures attached to the panel for hanging.

The panel looks fantastic hanging on a wall or makes a great standing backdrop for a display. A great piece of Japanese mingei folk craft  with some nice symbolism.

- panel measures measures 82 cm (32.2”) across x 58 cm (22.8”) tall x 2 cm (0.8”) deep 
- weighs 1,520 gm.

(listing for one shoji panel)

SHIPPING INFORMATION
- please read our shipping policy.
- we use recycle packaging wherever possible and wrap for safety, rather than appearance!

ABOUT OUR VINTAGE AND ANTIQUE ITEMS
We list pieces we feel are worthy of display. There may be scratches, dents, fading and signs of wear and tear. We try to explain the condition of each item exactly, but may miss something.

Information regarding the item and it’s age is obtained from dealers and our personal research. We do our best to give you the correct information but please be aware that we cannot guarantee this information.

Please message us prior to purchase with any questions you may have about our products.

KUMIKO 
Kumiko is a unique style of Japnese woodwork using a variety of geometric patterns to create beautiful art pieces. This work is used primarily for shoji doors, screens and ranma.

The art of making kumiko panels began in the 8th century CE, during the Asuka period. This was a time when the arts began to blossom in Japan and new forms of artistry, influenced by China, began to take hold and shape the future of Japanese traditions. Among these was kumiko, which became an important part of Japanese interior design.

Kumiko is made from Japanese cedar and cypress trees. This wood is durable, long-lasting, and bright in colour. The construction of kumiko involves no nails, screws, or glue; only the slotting together of wood pieces in geometric shapes, held firmly together by equally dispersed amounts of pressure. Everything is done by hand, from the carving of each individual piece (of which there are hundreds) to the assembling of the finished panel. Each piece must be accurate to within 0.1mm, and the symmetry between them must be perfect.

Kumiko panels come in a range of over 250 symmetrical geometric patterns, mostly inspired by nature and having special meanings. The Asanoha, or hemp leaf pattern, is for warding off evil spirits. The sakura, or cherry blossom pattern, is hope for a good harvest, and the goma, or sesame seed pod pattern is associated with good health.

Kumiko artisans can train for decades and most master kumiko craftsmen come from a long line of woodwork specialists. One artist said the hardest part of kumiko is making a straight line.

THE PINE TREE IN JAPANESE CULTURE
The pine is known as the symbol of life. During the long winter the pine does not lose it’s leaves or it’s lush dark green color.

A pine tree represents the ability to weather hard times. The pine has the unique ability to withstand harsh winds and up to subzero temperatures. A pine tree’s roots are tenacious and will burrow deep to find their way to hold fast on even the craggiest, rock-strewn outcropping. They endure, no matter what the circumstances.

In Japanese culture, the pine tree is known to represent longevity, good fortune, steadfastness, resilience and even immortality. The pine tree is iconic of the Japanese New Year, as a symbol of rebirth, renewal, and a bright (hopeful) future.

After the devastating Tohoku earthquake (2011) and the following tsunami, the town of Rikuzentakata was left in ruin. The tsunami crushed everything in it’s path, leaving nothing behind but one lone pine to stand alone amongst a desert of destruction. It had been strong enough to withstand the grave impact of the tsunami’s force. The pine's resilience to the disaster quickly spread throughout Japan and the pine soon became known as The Miracle Pine. The Miracle Pine very much mirrors the traditional symbolic reference of the strong, mighty, and resilient evergreen pine within the Japanese culture.