Not decor. Heritage.
Japanese Transoms exists to preserve and place one of Japan’s most endangered architectural art forms into spaces that value soul, story, and craftsmanship.
Authentic antique ranma (欄間). Verified in Japan. Shipped with collector-grade care.
Explore the Collection
A Vanishing Architectural Art
For centuries, ranma (欄間) were hand-carved and installed within Japanese homes, temples, and merchant buildings. Positioned above sliding doors, they allowed light and air to pass through while quietly expressing symbolism, belief, and regional craftsmanship.
As traditional buildings across Japan are demolished or modernized, these panels are disappearing. Many are discarded. Others are stripped of context and sold without provenance.
Japanese Transoms was created to preserve these works and offer them a second life, respectfully and responsibly.
A Cross-Border Effort, Rooted in Japan
Japanese Transoms is a collaboration between preservation-minded partners in Japan and the United States. Together, we rescue authentic ranma before they disappear, and place them into homes and projects where they will be valued for generations.
When appropriate, we also seek informal guidance from museum curators in Fukushima to help contextualize materials, motifs, and historical usage. These curators are not directly involved in our operations.
Niels Co-founder & Curator (U.S.)
Niels has lived and worked in Japan for many years, developing a deep respect for traditional architecture and craft.
Japanese Transoms exists to bridge the gap between Western collectors and genuine Japanese architectural artifacts, with authenticity and care at the center of everything we do.
Shin (新ちゃん) Co-founder & Sourcing Partner (Japan)
Based in Fukushima, Shin is a licensed antiques dealer with years of experience handling historical architectural materials.
He works directly with traditional homes, temples, and regional preservation networks. Every ranma is personally inspected, assessed, and prepared in Japan before export.
Tsujirushi (辻印) Exclusive Japanese Partner
Japanese Transoms operates in exclusive partnership with Tsujirushi, a Japan-based antiques business specializing in historic architectural artifacts.
Through this partnership, all ranma are sourced and verified through licensed Japanese antique channels, ensuring collector-grade authenticity and responsible export.
What We Do (And What We Don’t)
- We curate authentic antique Japanese ranma.
- We verify provenance through licensed Japanese channels.
- We preserve original character and age.
- We ship internationally with collector-grade care.
We do not sell reproductions. We do not sell cheap “Japanese-style” decor. We do not dilute history for volume.
Every panel we offer is one-of-a-kind. Once it’s gone, it cannot be replaced.
Stewardship, Not Sales
We see ourselves as temporary stewards. Our role is to rescue these pieces from obscurity, preserve their story, and place them into spaces where they will be valued for generations.
When you acquire a ranma through Japanese Transoms, you’re not just buying an object. You’re continuing its life.
A Living Gallery
Each ranma we offer is singular. There are no restocks, no duplicates, and no repeats.
Some pieces speak immediately, while others wait.