History of Hyoso

Byobu Folding screen

The folding screen was first developed in China during the Tang dynasty (618-907) then introduced
to Japan in the reign of Emperor Temmu during 7th Century. A folding screen appeared in a Nara
period document. This document was the "Todai-ji Temple Kenmotsu-cho (lists of treasures dedicated
to temples) and it suggested that it was part of the important furnishings in the imperial court at that
time. In the Heian period in (794-1185) a folding screen became basic furniture of the imperial and court
noble households. It was used for ceremonies, home decor and as a room divider. It was also used in
Buddhist temples and shrines for their ceremonies. During the Muromachi to Edo period a golden folding
screen was presented to foreign countries (including China). This type of screen was valued for its
flexibility. During the Momoyama and Edo periods folding screens became popular among ordinary people.
They altered the size depending on the situation.