屏風(びょうぶ)

Structure: Traditional 屏風(びょうぶ) consists of multiple panels (曲(きょく)) connected by hinges:

• 二曲(にきょく) - 2 panels
• 四曲(よんきょく) - 4 panels
• 六曲(ろっきょく) - 6 panels (most common)
• 八曲(はっきょく) - 8 panels

Types

• 金屏風(きんびょうぶ) - gold folding screen (used at weddings, ceremonies)
• 銀屏風(ぎんびょうぶ) - silver folding screen
• 屏風絵(びょうぶえ) - painted folding screen
• 風炉先屏風(ふろさきびょうぶ) - tea ceremony screen

Cultural note

• Famous historical 屏風絵(びょうぶえ) include works by artists like 俵屋宗達(たわらやそうたつ) and 尾形光琳(おがたこうりん)
• Used in formal ceremonies, tea rooms, and traditional Japanese interiors
• 雛(ひな)祭(まつ)り displays often include a miniature gold screen

Etymology: From Chinese 屏風(びょうぶ) (píngfēng), meaning "wind screen" - originally used to block drafts.