knee-hiding panel; rakugo standing screen
A low standing panel used in Kamigata (Kansai) rakugo to hide the performer's legs when seated, allowing for more natural gestures. The term literally means 'knee-hider'.
In Kamigata rakugo, performers sit behind a knee-hiding panel.
With a knee-hiding panel, movements look bigger even while seated.
Compound of 膝 (hiza, 'knee') and 隠し (kakushi, 'hiding'). The spelling 膝隠し directly reflects this meaning.