1.
transom; decorative panel above a door or sliding screen
An ornamental panel or lattice installed in the open space between the top of a sliding door (fusuma or shoji) and the ceiling in traditional Japanese architecture. Serves both decorative and ventilation purposes.
The transoms in old Japanese houses have floral and bird patterns carved into them.
A distinctive architectural feature of traditional Japanese buildings. 欄間 fill the gap between the top of 襖 (sliding doors) or 障子 (paper screens) and the ceiling. They allow air circulation and light passage between rooms while adding artistic beauty.
Common collocations
- 透かし彫りの欄間: openwork-carved transom
- 欄間の彫刻: transom carving
- 欄間を取り付ける: to install a transom
- 組子欄間: latticework transom
Types
- 彫刻欄間: carved transom (with nature scenes, flowers, etc.)
- 透かし欄間: openwork transom
- 組子欄間: geometric latticework transom
- 障子欄間: paper-screen transom
Cultural note
Fine 欄間 are considered works of art and can be extremely valuable. The craft of 欄間 carving is a traditional art form, with certain regions like Toyama Prefecture being famous for it.