Shoji: How to Design, Build, and Install Japanese Screens

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Summary: USEFUL!!!
Review: A very useful book for anyone considering building their own Shoji Screen or just wanting to know more about this subject. The images would have been better in colour but still a useful book, clear easy to follow step by step guide.

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Summary: My Review
Review: Jay van Arsdale does a wonderful job of showing us how to make shoji. I think that this a wonderful book. I bought 5, 1 for me, 1 for my brother, 1 for my nephew, 1 for my dad, and 1 for my boss.

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Summary: Not traditional japanese woodwork, but who cares?
Review: JVA uses a simplified approach to building shoji. Odate's book is the one for you if you want to build an authentic shoji using Japanese technique. Having said that, this is an EXCELLENT primer on shoji measurement and building practice for quick screens. I have built screens in both styles and take my word for it that JVA's method is quicker and no-one can tell the difference. Two things: the screen on the cover is NOT the one detailed in the text (check the corners). Also, I would HIGHLY recommend cutting your stiles long (leave a horn) and trimming them off post assembly with the table saw followed by a pass with a plane. Buy it and get building!

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Summary: Great how-to for those with some joinery skills.
Review: Making shoji is not for those who have no woodworking skills, but if you can make basic joints, this book will provide instructions and inspiration onmaking beautiful shoji. If you're not interested in making shoji, it still provides design inspiration. At a current quoted cost of $29/sq. foot for Shoji, learning how-to could be profitable!

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Summary: Comprehensive guide to design & construction of shoji
Review: Shoji are the paper paneled wooden lattice screens that are an integral part of traditional Japanese architecture. This book offers comprehensive coverage of the design and construction of Shoji screens.

The main focus is on actually building Shoji. Detailed sections on wood, paper, and tools prepare the craftsman for the projects. Design, joinery and assembly instructions follow.

The theory and functionality of Shoji in transmitting light are explained. Examples in Japanese homes as well as adaptations in Western architecture are shown.

There are several small individual project ideas included to get started. Lists of paper and tool sources are very helpful.

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Summary: A definitive text on Shoji
Review: This book has all the answers you have about Shoji and were afraid to ask or didn't know where to look. It covers everything from wood to joinery. I searched for this book for two years until I found a copy. I am glad that I persevered. It was well worth the wait.