1.
folding screen, room divider
A traditional Japanese freestanding panel or series of connected panels that can be folded, used for decoration or to divide spaces.
床の間に金屏風を飾った。
We displayed a gold folding screen in the alcove.
雛人形の後ろに屏風を立てる。
We put a folding screen behind the Hina dolls.
国宝の屏風絵を美術館で見た。
I saw a national treasure folding screen painting at the museum.
STRUCTURE: Traditional 屏風 consists of multiple panels (曲) connected by hinges:
- 二曲 - 2 panels
- 四曲 - 4 panels
- 六曲 - 6 panels (most common)
- 八曲 - 8 panels
TYPES:
- 金屏風 - gold folding screen (used at weddings, ceremonies)
- 銀屏風 - silver folding screen
- 屏風絵 - painted folding screen
- 風炉先屏風 - tea ceremony screen
CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE:
- Famous historical 屏風絵 include works by artists like 俵屋宗達 and 尾形光琳
- Used in formal ceremonies, tea rooms, and traditional Japanese interiors
- 雛祭り displays often include a miniature gold screen
ETYMOLOGY: From Chinese 屏風 (píngfēng), meaning "wind screen" - originally used to block drafts.