Maki

Maki [槇; まき] are screens or blinds traditionally made from a variety of materials, such as thin silk, woven reeds, braided string, beads, wooden slats or even metal sheets. Typically, they hang down from a supporting rail above a doorway or window. Most maki are made with either reeds (shimaki), netting (zamaki), or fabric (numaki), and have specific purposes according to their material. 
Maki are used in many Kantonese homes as window curtains, room dividers, or in place of doors. They can protect the resident from sunlight, rain, cold, and insects. Their light structure allows breezes to pass through, and allow air to circulate. Since the materials are cheap, maki are inexpensive to buy, although many people choose to make their own. 
Elaborate maki for palaces and mansions used high-quality bamboo, with expensive silk and gold embroidery worked in. Sometimes they featured paintings, most often on the inside; some screens had symbols painted on the outside as well.
== Types ==
* Reed/straw maki [shimaki] are the most common and versatile maki. They are often used as doors and room dividers. However, they can also be found on windows as blinds.
* Netted maki (zamaki) are made from netting, mostly acrylic or nylon, and can be used as mosquito nets or insect shields over windows.
* Numaki are screens made from fabric, and are generally the most expensive yet easy to decorate and personalise. Intricate colours and designs can effectively brighten up a space and make for interesting room dividers or curtains. 
* Takemaki are made from bamboo and are almost exclusively used for the entrances of buildings (e.g. the front door of a house). They are thicker and heavier than other maki.
* Sengura are fire-guards made from iron mesh, a cuboid shape designed to be set over open hearths in the floor. Although not technically maki, they are still screens used to block out smoke and prevent fire hazards.
* Betamaki are bead curtains which only serve the purpose of being bright and decorative. At one point, they were most commonly found in temples, however, they are now used everywhere, particularly in bedroom doorways.