Jounetsu

Jounetsu

This alluring room divider, or Shoji Screen (pronounced Show-Gee), was created with Purple Heart, African Anigre and Curly Maple. 

Purple Heart originates from tropical South America and is highly coveted for its beautiful and rich purple color. The naturally occurring pigment will patina to a deep and darker maroon.

African Anigre was used on the six panels and is known for its striking figure.

The horizontal slats are made of Curly Maple (a domestic species) and has always been prized for its amazing shimmer or “curl”, also known as chatoyance.  This curly figure is quite rare and is found in only about 5% of Maple trees.  This effect is created by huge amounts of pressure from   the weight of the growing tree.  This is found in other species of trees, but is more prominent in Maple trees.

All of these woods are completely natural in color (no stains or dyes) and are protected with three coats of an oil and urethane mixture.  It is important to keep Jounetsu out of the direct sunlight and should only be dusted; and never spray with furniture polish (a slightly dampened cloth with water can be used, immediately followed by a clean, dry and soft cloth).

This entire piece was completely assembled with exceptionally strong mortise and tenon joinery (a total of 30 tenons and 54 mortises).  No screws, nails or other mechanical fasteners were used, except the hinges to connect each partition.