Sudare

Sudare (Japanese帘, also called Misu ) are traditional Japanese blinds. They can be either rolled or folded.

Sudare are used in many traditional Japanese houses to protect the porch and other openings in the building from sunlight, rain and insects. They are usually taken in the fall and put back in the spring. Their lightweight design makes a nice breeze through the warm Japanese summer.

Production

Sudare are made from strips of decorative wood, bamboo or other natural materials which are woven together with simple string, colored yarn or other materials as a chain, creating a virtually closed surface. Because of the material widely available to Sudare can make inexpensive.

High quality Sudare for palaces and villas using high quality bamboo and decorated with expensive silk and gold embroidery. Sometimes they are painted, usually on the inside. Some Chinese copies are also outside painted.

With the modern production fell the Sudare. Today, it is a traditional craft that is still operated by different companies for the domestic market and export. Modern Sudare mostly from China.

Historic function

Sudare not only protect from the elements, but also provide a visual barrier.

They play a role in the epic Genji monogatari. In the Heian period, it was customary that a maid hidden behind such a screen when she spoke with a man outside her immediate family. You could look through and see their opponent. The man had, however, keep a distance and could not see them. Only with their permission he could come closer, and only she would ever roll up the Sudare. Unwanted actions of the man pages have been viewed as a serious breach of etiquette and a threat to the chastity and purity of the lady.

Sudare were also used in the imperial residences. Since it was forbidden to look directly at the Tennō, he sat in the throne room behind a screen, so that only his shoes were seen. This practice came with the decline of imperial power into disuse.

Sudare Museum

A museum in Amano- cho, Kawachinagano, Osaka deals with the history of Sudare. There are tools and machines for their production as well as examples from other countries issued.