Osaka Ranma

Many kinds of ranma

A ranma is the panel above sliding doors that lets light and air pass between rooms while adding dignity. Osaka Ranma come in many types: pictorial carved ranma that use the grain of Yakusugi cedar, sukashibori openwork in paulownia, osa ranma with fine slats, kumiko lattice ranma, and the unusual nuki ranma. They are made in Osaka, Kishiwada, Suita and other cities in Osaka as ranma, screens and carved panels.

Brush, saw and wax

Cedar, paulownia or hinoki is dried naturally and cut to size. When a design is needed it is drawn straight onto the wood with a brush, then the pattern is cut out. Carving is done in relief, and the panel is polished with ibota wax.

From shrines to merchant houses

Osaka Ranma began in the early 17th century; the techniques behind it can be seen at Osaka's Hijiri Shrine and Shitennoji temple. By the mid-Edo period ranma were fitted above the lintels of living and guest rooms in ordinary homes, especially merchant houses, both for light and ventilation and as decoration that showed refinement.