A Detailed Explanation of the History and Experience of Kakejiku (Hanging Scrolls)

　table of contents

• 1. What is a Kakejiku (Hanging Scroll)?
• 2. History of Kakejiku (Hanging Scrolls)
• 3. Structure of Kakejiku (Hanging Scrolls)
  
• 4. ypes of Kakejiku (Hanging Scrolls)
  

Introduction

Kakejiku, or hanging scrolls, are traditional Japanese decorative items designed to display calligraphy and East Asian paintings mounted on fabric or paper for appreciation. This article provides a detailed overview of the basics of kakejiku, including their history, structure, and types. Kakejiku, as a traditional Japanese decoration, continues to be loved by many people today for its beauty and cultural significance. Through this article, we hope you will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the charm and diverse expressions of kakejiku.

Note: Images are for illustrative purposes only.

1. What is a Kakejiku (Hanging Scroll)? 

A kakejiku (hanging scroll) is a traditional Japanese decorative item designed to display calligraphy or East Asian paintings mounted on fabric or paper. True to its name, a kakejiku can be hung on a wall for display and can be rolled up compactly for storage when not in use. They are commonly hung in the tokonoma (alcove) of Japanese homes.​

There are various types of kakejiku, each used for different occasions and seasons. These include "Nichijou-kake" for everyday use, "Kisetsu-kake" for seasonal changes, "Keiji-kake" for celebrations, and "Butsuji-kake" for Buddhist ceremonies. For example, in spring, a kakejiku might feature a painting or calligraphy of cherry blossoms, while in summer, it might display a refreshing landscape.

While some kakejiku feature paintings, calligraphy scrolls are also highly popular. These might display Chinese poems, haiku, or aphorisms written in ink, where the brushstrokes and composition are admired as art. Japanese calligraphy, with its emphasis on brushwork, structure, and the beauty of empty space, is particularly enhanced when presented as a kakejiku.

Kakejiku are precious cultural artifacts that symbolize Japanese tradition and aesthetics, still cherished by many today. By understanding and appreciating their artistic and cultural significance, one can gain a deeper insight into Japan's rich cultural heritage.

2. History of Kakejiku (Hanging Scrolls) 

Kakejiku, or hanging scrolls, are a traditional Japanese art form with origins in China, initially used to display Buddhist paintings. Below is a detailed history of kakejiku.

■ From China to Japan

The roots of kakejiku trace back to the Jin Dynasty (265-420) in China. During this period, paintings and calligraphy were created on fabric or paper and stored in scroll form for Buddhist worship. In the Asuka period (593-710), kakejiku were introduced to Japan along with Buddhism, becoming widely used for religious purposes.

■ Development in Japan

During the Heian period (794-1185), Japan developed its unique mounting techniques, and kakejiku began to be used beyond Buddhist contexts. This period saw the popularity of emakimono (picture scrolls). In the Kamakura period (1185-1333), the introduction of ink wash painting from China led Japanese artists to explore new forms of expression.

■ Tea Ceremony and Kakejiku

In the Muromachi period (1336-1573), tea master Sen no Rikyu emphasized the importance of kakejiku in the development of the tea ceremony. Hanging scrolls were displayed in the tokonoma (alcove) of tea rooms, reflecting the spirit of the ceremony and the changing seasons. This established kakejiku as significant art pieces within the tea ceremony.​

■ Popularization in the Edo Period

The Edo period (1603-1868) saw kakejiku becoming popular among the general populace, with literati paintings (bunjinga) combining calligraphy and painting gaining popularity. During this time, kakejiku were commonly displayed in homes, integrating into Japanese domestic culture.​

■ Modern Kakejiku

Despite the westernization that began in the Meiji era, kakejiku have remained a preserved element of traditional Japanese culture. While houses with tokonoma are less common today, the artistic value of kakejiku has been rediscovered, cherished by art enthusiasts and collectors. Contemporary kakejiku maintain traditional techniques while incorporating new designs and expressions.

3. Structure of Kakejiku (Hanging Scrolls) 

4. Types of Kakejiku (Hanging Scrolls) 

Kakejiku (hanging scrolls) come in various types, each suited for different settings, seasons, and purposes. Each type has specific characteristics and functions deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Here, we detail the main types of kakejiku:

■ Everyday Kakejiku

Everyday kakejiku are displayed regularly and feature seasonal landscapes or flower and bird paintings, reflecting the changes in seasons. For instance, cherry blossoms or plum flowers are depicted in spring, refreshing landscapes in summer, autumn foliage in fall, and snow scenes in winter.

■ Celebration Kakejiku

Celebration kakejiku are used for festive occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries. Common motifs include "Takasago," symbolizing long-lasting happiness and marital harmony, as well as auspicious symbols like cranes, turtles, and pine-bamboo-plum (Sho-Chiku-Bai).

■ Buddhist Kakejiku

Buddhist kakejiku are used during Buddhist ceremonies and memorial services. They often depict Buddhist images or scriptures and are displayed during rituals such as memorial services, Obon, and Higan. These typically feature deities like Fudo Myo-o or Kannon Bosatsu, emphasizing their religious significance.

■ Seasonal Festival Kakejiku

Seasonal festival kakejiku are displayed during specific seasonal festivals. For instance, "Hina Matsuri" (Girls' Day) features dolls of the emperor and empress, while "Tango no Sekku" (Boys' Day) showcases carp streamers and Shoki figures. These kakejiku enhance the festive atmosphere in homes during these celebrations.

■ Calligraphy Kakejiku

書の掛け軸は、書道作品を飾るための掛け軸です。禅語や教訓、詩歌などが墨で書かれ、その美しさと精神性が鑑賞されます。特に茶室で使用されることが多く、茶道と密接に関連しています。

【 Types of Mounting Styles 】
Kakejiku can be broadly categorized into two main mounting styles: "Yamato Mounting" and "Bunjin Mounting."

■ Yamato Mounting

Yamato Mounting is a traditional Japanese style of kakejiku mounting. Yamato Mounting is divided into three forms: "Shin (formal)," "Gyo (semi-formal)," and "So (informal)." Each form has variations such as "Shin no Shin," "Shin no Gyo," and "Shin no So," indicating different levels of formality.

"Shin no Shin" is the most formal and is used for Buddhist paintings and ceremonial calligraphy. It features double borders and is characterized by strict and luxurious decorations. "Shin no Gyo," which omits one border, is slightly less formal but still considered high-class. "Shin no So," which omits both borders, is the simplest form yet still belongs to the formal category.

"Gyo no Shin" is a general mounting style used for a wide range of artworks such as bird-and-flower paintings and landscape paintings. It is highly formal and often used in shrines and temples. "Gyo no Gyo" is moderately formal and suitable for everyday display. "Gyo no So" is the simplest form of this style, suitable for casual kakejiku, though it is not commonly seen.

"So no Shin" is often used in tea rooms and features simple and practical designs for Zen calligraphy and paintings by tea masters. "So no Gyo" is a simplified form emphasizing practicality. "So no So" is the most minimalistic, avoiding excessive decoration, and the single line does not surround the central artwork, keeping the design restrained.

■ Bunjin Mounting

Bunjin Mounting is a style of mounting kakejiku that originated in China, mainly used for literati paintings, Chinese poems, and Southern paintings. This style features a simple and functional design to highlight the natural beauty of the artwork, with decorations to emphasize the elegance of calligraphy and poetry.

Maru Mounting is a common type where the entire kakejiku is surrounded by the same fabric, resulting in a simple and unified look. This style is widely available and affordable. Ming Dynasty Mounting uses the same fabric for the entire piece but includes a narrow border on both sides, resulting in a simple yet refined design. It is mainly used for Chinese texts, poems, and Southern paintings, often designed to respect the author’s ideas and sensibilities.

 Making a hanging scroll with BesPes 

We produce completely custom-made, original hanging scrolls.

• I want a hanging scroll, but I don't know what kind of design is best.
  
• I want to make a hanging scroll without deciding on the design etc.
• I want to create a hanging scroll that matches the room.

If you have such a request, please contact us. It is possible to create a hanging scroll according to your request, or we can create an original design according to your image.

We work with vendors who can produce traditional hanging scrolls, and we are able to create original designs from the production of the work to the selection of the hanging scroll. Please see below for details.

 Conclusion

Kakejiku (hanging scrolls) are traditional Japanese decorative items with origins in China, developed uniquely within Japanese aesthetics and culture. Historically used for Buddhist paintings, they have evolved to serve various purposes, including tea ceremonies and daily decoration.

Calligraphy kakejiku, in particular, are highly valued for their artistic and spiritual qualities. Even today, they are cherished for their traditional techniques and innovative expressions. Through kakejiku, we hope you can deeply appreciate and enjoy Japan's rich cultural and aesthetic heritage.

By including both "kakejiku" and "hanging scrolls" throughout the translation, the text effectively communicates the concept to an international audience while respecting the cultural significance of the term.。