Folding Screens Made to Any Order
Kataoka Byōbu Ten is a shop that uses traditional techniques to make original folding screens. Traditional screens commonly feature calligraphy or other artwork and are sometimes covered in gold leaf. Kataoka Kyōichi, the second head of the company since its founding, explains that his shop does more than that: “Some customers wish to preserve an important kimono or obi by incorporating it into a folding screen, and we work to make that possible for them.” Kataoka has experience meeting a wide variety of customer requests. From a necktie that a family held precious to the kesa robe worn by a Buddhist monk, Kataoka Byōbu Ten has worked many different items into its screens. The shop has also used the cloisonné technique and even made 3D folding screens with acrylic. “Telling a customer something can’t be done is like turning your back on him or her,” says Kataoka, who tries never to let that happen.
Inside the shop is an exhibit area officially recognized by Sumida in its municipal list of “Small Museums.” Here customers can browse a wide variety of folding screen pieces. Visitors who make a reservation can also take a lesson in constructing a special kind of folding screen that uses a mechanism to change the picture displayed depending on how the screen is unfolded.
Kataoka Byōbu Ten breathes new life into the world of folding screens, as seen in the highly original works on display. The two items at right are popular among foreign visitors as souvenirs.
The museum area displays the tools that are used and shows how the screens are created.
Kataoka using a large mockup to illustrate how the special folding screens are created. Visitors can make their own folding screen in the shop’s classroom.
The Kataoka family. From left, Mitsuko, Kyōichi, Yui, and Sai.Kataoka Byōbu Ten
• 1-31-6 Mukōjima, Sumida-ku, Tokyo (one minute from the front exit of Tokyo Skytree station on the Tōbu Line; five minutes from the A4 exit of Honjoazumabashi station on the Toei Asakusa Line; six minutes from the A3 exit of Oshiage station on the Tokyo Metro Hanzōmon Line).
• Tel. 03-3622-4470
• Opening hours: 10:00 to 17:00 (closed at year end and at unannounced times when there are unforeseen circumstances).
• The workshop requires booking for 10 people or more (maximum of 50 people). The crafting course costs ¥3,000 and takes about two hours.
Read in other languages