KITOTE

KITOTE Shoji is made in Wakayama Prefecture of Japan. Wakayama is blessed with abundance of timber and has been called the “Land of Trees” since the past, so natural wood has been a familiar presence in our daily lives.
The brand name KITOTE is a combination of the Japanese words “Ki = Wood” and “Te = Hands”, expressing the material for Shoji screens and the craftsmanship to make it.
Each natural wood has a wonderful personality in its grain, color, aroma and texture to name a few, but even trees of the same species have different features due to the environmental variances in which it was raised, including the soil and available sunlight. None is alike when considering the density, amount of moisture, shape of knots, etc. Therefore, the craftsmen precisely identify the qualities of the wood and carefully process it one at a time to maximize each personality to create durable and beautiful Shoji screens.
Through Shoji screens, “KITOTE” provides comfort of natural wood and the skills of seasoned craftsmen, delivering the passion of “KI-TO-TE”, or “Wood and Hands”.

Shoji

Shoji is a traditional Japanese fitting, a sliding door feature fixed inside a home or building. It is made with a wooden frame consisting of stiles and crosspieces with Washi (Japanese rice paper) pasted onto the crosspieces.
It is mainly used in Japanese rooms next to windows to cut-off views similar to a curtain and also it may function as partition between rooms.
Because Shoji uses Washi paper for the screens, it provides privacy while gently diffusing light. It is also effective for heat insulation and humidity control, so Shoji has been an indispensable item for Japanese residences.

Harmonious Design for the Contemporary Architectural Space

KITOTE Shoji is not limited to traditional Japanese rooms, but the brand pursues harmony with the modern architectural space and is designed with various perspectives, including components and methods.
Shoji with contemporary design may be the protagonist at times but it could also be a great supporting cast to enhance interior decoration to add life to the space.

Beyond Sliding Screens

Due to its designability, KITOTE Shoji can be applied in various settings other than common sliding screens, such as placing it inside the ceiling or a wall as a lighting fixture or partitions. The sizes for every KITOTE Shoji is made to order, so it can be arranged depending on your ideas.

AIR SHOJI

Shoji is a fitting, installed by attaching a lintel rail and sill in a open room.
This poses a tall hurdle for applying shoji freely.
KITOTE created “Air Shoji” with a new concept, so that shoji could be incorporated more freely with a wider range of use.
Air Shoji allows installation in places which was previously impossible by combining shoji with a wire system.
By hanging the shoji, the range of usage widens and it could be used as partition, wall decoration, or lighting shade.