Abstract
This paper aims to make clear roles and functions of screens in the novel"JIN PING MEI". As a result, next four points become clear: 1) Also it is called "zuo pin feng (screen)", but different from Japanese style screen "ruan ping" presented from Japan in the Ming period.2) Screens are classified into these four ones following their forms: "small table screen","screen", "folding screen", "hanging screen". Screens are regarded as precious handcrafts, so it is considered that possessing lots of them means a status symbol and wealth of a family.4) Each place is arranged and characterized by forms, materials, designs of screens, according to social status, class and lifestyle. Therefore there is a social standard in using screens.
