Kataoka Folding Screens: Japanese Tradition Made to Order

Kataoka Byōbu nestles in a quiet residential neighborhood. The first floor is the shop’s showroom, and the second floor houses its workshop. (© Nippon.com)

Kataoka Byōbu head Kataoka Kōto says every person on his small, seven-member team plays a vital role in spreading the appeal of folding screens, from experienced craftsmen on down. (© Nippon.com)

Hina dolls displayed in front of a folding screen. (© Nippon.com)

A fashion display incorporates a special-order folding screen made by Kataoka Byōbu. (Courtesy Kataoka Byōbu)

Photos and other images can be used to customize folding screens. (© Nippon.com)

A traditional-style work by a contemporary artist. (© Nippon.com)

A folding screen ordered by a foreign customer featuring a Japanese maple in autumn and gold leaf. (Courtesy Kataoka Byōbu)

Kataoka Byōbu’s workshop. (© Nippon.com)

The finished products are checked carefully against the original design. (© Nippon.com)

An artisan at Kataoka Byōbu uses a traditional technique to smooth the surface of the folding screen in preparation for printing. (© Nippon.com)

Kataoka Byōbu has a small museum showing tools and how screens are created. (© Nippon.com)