Noren

Fabric shop in Nara with noren in front of the entrance

Noren is a traditional Japanese curtain. Noren is hung in doorways or in windows and on walls. Noren is made of many different materials.

History

During the Heian Period (794-1185), Noren emerged as practical tools for regulating temperature in homes, whether to cool down interiors or to retain warmth in colder seasons. Over time, their utility extended beyond households as businesses adopted them to shield entrances from dust, dirt, unpleasant odors, and smoke—a purpose they continue to serve today. In Edo period restaurants, patrons would often use the Noren to wipe their hands upon exiting, giving rise to the notion that the dirtier the Noren, the more it reflected the establishment's popularity.

Types of Noren

Basically Noren is classified in two typesː

• Business Noren - Represent the business names, and information on Noren
• Interior Noren - Interior Noren are used in house decorations, and separating a place.

Usage

Noren are used by service locations as protection from sun, wind and dust.