Osaka Transoms Wood Osaka Cooperative Union Osaka Transom Industry Association 5-30-1Kishibe Kita, Suita, Osaka tel 06-387-3462 Background The origins of this craft date back to the beginning of the 17th century and the traditional woodworking skills that can be seen at Osaka's Hijiri Shrine and Shiteno-ji temple. Gradually during the 18th century, transoms were mainly introduced into merchant's houses not only for practical reasons of ventilation and lighting but also as a decorative element capable of raising the quality of interior space, especially in rooms where guest would be received. There are many types of transom. The bold carving of one type helps to bring out the best qualities of the grain of the special Yaku cedar from which it is made. A wonderful balance between the grain of paulownia and open-work in the design is achieved in another. Some are strict bars or a repeat of one element, others are grills. Still others are not much more than a frame but all are pieces of decoration with a function. Despite the fall in the number of traditional houses being built, they make screens, picture frames, and there are still 22 firms with 77 employees and 21 nationally recognized Master Craftsmen working on this fitting that is so special to the Japanese house interior.