noren

Noren is a traditional divider used in Japanese dwellings. Made from fabric, it can be hung at the entrance of a home or business, between rooms or even as wall decoration.

The fabric of the noren is split vertically, which, if hung in an open doorway creates a beautiful fluttering curtain. Cotton and linen are the most common fabrics used.

Historically, noren were only used in the temples and in noble houses. They were multi-purpose, for temperature regulation, keeping dust and flying insects out. Like western curtains, they have been also used for privacy or blocking out views that aren’t pleasing to the eye.

I don’t know this for a fact but it’s possible they served to encourage humility so that people automatically enter a room with their heads lowered. (I was told by a guide at a Zen temple that this is why temple doorways were built so low.)

Why should the religious and rich people have been the only ones to use this cool room divider? ‘Regular people’ started using them because they have entrances, too.

Merchants have been making use of noren over the centuries. They are an elegant way for businesses to stamp their logo over the entrance – at eye level – making the establishment easily recognizable.

Some restaurants take down their noren on its rod at the end of the day signaling to the everyone that they’re closed. When the restaurant is open for business, the noren is brought out and hung in place. (Think about the opening credits of Netflix’s Midnight Diner where Master hangs his noren, turns on the outside light then goes inside to start his work.)

These are a few noren I saw in Japan. Which one speaks to you?