M&G Card V&A Noren

Noren (door curtain)
Japan, late 19th- early 20th century

This Japanese textile is called a ‘Noren’. It would have hung at the entrance to a shop or restaurant to indicate that the establishment was open for business. Noren, still used in Japan today, give protection against rain and dust and shade from the sun. They also dissuade prying eyes, yet can easily be brushed aside to allow people to enter. Noren are made from separate panels of cloth sewn together at the top. They have simple, bold designs that suit their function as advertisements. Noren are made from separate panels of cloth sewn together at the top. They have simple, bold designs that suit their function as advertisements. This noren, with its striking octopus motif, probably hung at the entrance to a shop or restaurant specialising in seafood.