Shoji, thin paper on the window, at Koto-in Daitokuji Temple, in Kyoto

This is Shoji, thin paper tightened on the flame of the window in an old fashion. In those days we had no technique to make a big thin paper (or no money to afford to buy a large and expensive thin paper) to cover the whole frame, so some pieces of small papers covered the frames. The joints was usually just on the smaller frame inside not to be eye-catching. But this paper is tightened to show up the joints deliberately. The manner is, now, used only for the window of rooms for tea ceremony to add the certain modest rhythm to a tiny and tranquil space.

Joints make rhythm. The way of thinking goes well with modern architecture, such as the rhythmical facade of Couvent de la Tourette in France, designed by Le Corbusier and a talented Greek musician, Iannis Xenakis.

By the way, today's post is 600th on this blog! As I write before, I will stop this blog when the post reaches 1000. I would be very happy if the blog conveys the beauty of Kyoto to anyone who never go there.