Osaka Transoms/Osaka Screen Carving

History

Osaka Transoms 　

This Osaka-style woodwork, which provides Japanese-style houses with a　means of tasteful decor, as well as ventilation, evolved from a style that began in the early 17th century. Early examples can be seen today in Hijiri Shrine and Shitennoji Temple, Osaka Prefecture. 　

Some transoms feature pictorial carvings, taking advantage of the natural grain of yakusugi-cedar wood, or are openworked in harmony with the even grain of paulownia wood. Osa and Kumiko transoms, on the other hand, which employ special joinery techniques, depict simple geometrical patterns, while Yonuki transoms are uniquely patterned in vertical latticework.

Osaka Screen Carving

This carving technique, which originated in the early 17th century, is nowadays also applied to many furnishings, making an effective use of yakusugi cedar and other wood grains.