This wooden shoji divider was hand-made by Stephen Sekerak, a woodcraftsman based on the Eastern Shore. He was the craftsman-in-residence for many years at the Dalhousie University School of Architecture, until he retired some years ago. Most of the architects in town would definitely know him!
The shoji paper is from Japan. But it's the wood that's special... The Sacred Heart School of Halifax recently built a boys' high school (the Fountain Academy of the Sacred Heart) on the lot adjacent to the old building. In the process, some old grey elm trees had to be cut down. Steve saw the trees and offered his woodworking magic to the school. From that old grey elm, a lectern, an altar and a tabernacle were created. These now can be found in the Sacred Heart chapel. From the remainder of the wood, this shoji divider was made.
By the way, the lattice is fastened with small screws. Steve assures us that it can detached in case there is a need to replace parts of the shoji screen. (Think little fingers poking holes into them!)
(Photos by the ikebana shop. All rights reserved.)