Japanese Ranma Carved Wood Panel Headboard Size

This Meiji era ranma, an interior transom, was an integral part of the architecture of an old Japanese frame house. Within those houses, moveable partitions of wide sliding doors (fusuma) were used to define rooms, allowing the flexible use of space. The ranma was suspended above the fusuma to fill a gap between the tops of the doors and the ceiling. Pierced carvings on these wood transoms facilitated circulation of air and light throughout the house as well as adding a decorative element. Carved designs on ranma always were double-sided as they were viewed from both sides of the moveable partition. This early 20th century ranma is carved of hinoki wood (Japanese cypress) with a nice grain that enhances an island village scene with a lighthouse, bridges and a tori gate. Its size and light weight make it especially appropriate for use as a decorative headboard or as wall art. The piece is in very good condition. Dimensions: height 15” (38.1 cm) , length 70” (177.8 cm), depth 1” (2.5 cm).

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