Vintage Japanese Kumiko Shoji Panels with Mount Fuji Motif, pair, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26J-0169

Vintage Japanese Kumiko Shoji Panels with Mount Fuji Motif, pair, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26J-0169

A matched pair of handcrafted kumiko shoji panels featuring a rare continuous Mount Fuji motif -- a striking example of pre-war Japanese architectural artistry.

Shoji are traditional Japanese sliding door panels constructed from a wooden lattice frame backed with translucent washi paper, used throughout Japanese homes to divide interior spaces while allowing soft, diffused light to pass between rooms. This exceptional matched pair showcases the refined craft of kumiko -- the intricate technique of fitting thin wooden slats together without nails or glue to form precise geometric and pictorial patterns. The upper field of each panel features closely spaced vertical slats in the classic style, while the lower register transitions into a bold interlocking diamond lattice pattern. Most remarkably, a continuous pictorial kumiko motif depicting the iconic silhouette of Mount Fuji -- complete with a double-peak crown and sweeping diagonal slopes -- spans both panels as a unified composition, confirming they were designed and crafted as a pair. The aged washi paper backing, now warm and amber-toned with the patina of decades, adds depth and a luminous glow to the lattice work. The sturdy outer frames show honest wear consistent with early Showa craftsmanship, and the precision of the joinery throughout reflects the high standards of pre-war Japanese vintage furniture making.

In a modern home, these panels offer extraordinary versatility as a living room accent or statement wall feature -- lean them against a wall as large-scale artwork, or mount them as a decorative screen to define zones in an open-plan living or dining space. Their warm honey-toned wood and washi paper glow beautifully when backlit, making them ideal as a bedroom headboard feature or a softly glowing room divider in a Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic interior. The Mount Fuji motif makes this pair an especially meaningful housewarming gift or gift for collectors of Japanese architectural vintage pieces and Japanophiles seeking something truly one-of-a-kind.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Softwood frame (species unconfirmed -- possibly hinoki or similar); fine kumiko lattice slats; aged washi paper backing
• Use: Interior sliding door panels or decorative shoji screens used to divide rooms and filter light in traditional Japanese architecture
• Modern Use: Decorative wall art or large-scale living room accent; softly backlit bedroom or hallway screen; Japandi-style room divider in an open-plan space
• Features: Matched pair with continuous pictorial kumiko Mount Fuji motif spanning both panels; fine vertical slat upper field; interlocking diamond lattice lower band; aged washi paper backing with warm amber patina; sturdy outer frame with period wear
• Dimensions: --
• Condition: Good vintage condition -- kumiko lattice intact and structurally sound; washi paper shows age-related foxing and discoloration consistent with era; frame displays honest patina and wear throughout

A rare and collectible pair of Japanese vintage architectural panels -- where the timeless beauty of kumiko craftsmanship meets an iconic symbol of Japan, ready to bring warmth, history, and wabi-sabi elegance to any modern interior.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.