🕓 2025/2/2
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Detailed explanation of the history and experience of hanging scrolls
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table of contents
- 1. What is a hanging scroll?
- 2. History of hanging scrolls
- 3. Structure of hanging scroll
- 4. Types of hanging scrolls
Introduction
A hanging scroll is a traditional Japanese ornament that is used to cover calligraphy, oriental paintings, etc. with cloth or paper for viewing. In this article, we will provide a basic explanation of hanging scrolls, as well as a detailed introduction to their history, structure, and types. Hanging scrolls are traditional Japanese ornaments that are still loved by many people today for their beauty and cultural significance. We hope that through this article you will gain a deeper understanding of the appeal of hanging scrolls and the diverse ways they can be expressed, and enjoy them.
*Please note that the images are for illustrative purposes only.
1. What is a hanging scroll?
A hanging scroll is a traditional Japanese ornament that is used to cover calligraphy, oriental paintings, etc. with cloth or paper for viewing. As the name suggests, hanging scrolls can be hung on the wall for decoration, and can be rolled up for compact storage. It is especially common to be hung between the alcoves of Japanese houses.
There are various types, and each can be used depending on the occasion and season. There are “everyday hanging” used on a daily basis, “seasonal hanging” used to enjoy the changing seasons, “celebration hanging” used for celebrations, and “butsuji hanging” used for Buddhist events. For example, in spring you can decorate with cherry blossom paintings or calligraphy, and in summer you can hang cool landscape paintings.
Some are decorated with paintings, but those with calligraphy are also very popular. Calligraphy hanging scrolls have Chinese poems, haiku, proverbs, etc. written in ink, and the letters themselves can be appreciated as art. Japanese calligraphy places great emphasis on its brushstrokes, composition, and beauty of white space, so displaying it as a hanging scroll will bring out its charm even more.
Hanging scrolls are a valuable cultural heritage symbolizing Japanese tradition and aesthetic sense, and are still loved by many people even today. By understanding and appreciating its artistry and cultural significance, you will be able to experience Japan’s rich culture more deeply.
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2. History of hanging scrolls
Hanging scrolls are a traditional Japanese art form that originated in China and were originally used as tools to display Buddhist paintings. Below is a detailed explanation of the history of hanging scrolls.
■ From China to Japan
The roots of hanging scrolls date back to the Jin Dynasty (265-420) in China. During this period, paintings and calligraphy for Buddhist worship began to be drawn on cloth and paper and stored in the form of scrolls. During the Asuka period (593-710), hanging scrolls were introduced from China to Japan along with Buddhism, and they became widespread in Japan as well for Buddhist worship.
■ Development in Japan
During the Heian period (794-1185), unique Japanese mounting techniques were developed, and hanging scrolls began to be used for purposes other than Buddhism. During this period, hanging scrolls, especially picture scrolls, became popular. During the Kamakura period (1185-1333), ink painting was introduced from China, and Japanese artists adopted it and developed new methods of expression.
■ Tea ceremony and hanging scroll
During the Muromachi period (1336-1573), Sen no Rikyu promoted the development of the tea ceremony and the importance of hanging scrolls. Hanging scrolls were displayed in the alcoves of tea rooms and became important elements that expressed the spirit of the tea ceremony and the sense of the seasons. As a result, hanging scrolls established their status as works of art and became popular as a part of tea ceremonies.
■ Popularization during the Edo period
During the Edo period (1603-1868), hanging scrolls spread further among the common people, and literati paintings (paintings done by intellectuals as a hobby) became popular. Bunjinga is a fusion of calligraphy and painting, and the mounting techniques for hanging scrolls have also become more sophisticated. During this period, hanging scrolls began to be displayed in ordinary homes and became a part of Japanese home culture).
■ Modern hanging scroll
Since the Meiji period, even with the progress of Westernization, hanging scrolls have continued to be preserved as traditional Japanese culture. Nowadays, while the number of houses with alcoves is decreasing, their value as works of art has been reconsidered, and they are loved by art lovers and collectors. Modern hanging scrolls inherit traditional techniques while incorporating new designs and expression methods.
3. Structure of hanging scroll
Hanging scrolls are traditional Japanese ornaments made for displaying calligraphy and pictures covered with cloth or paper. The structure of a hanging scroll mainly consists of the following parts:
■ Main paper
Honshi is the central part of a hanging scroll, and refers to the paper or silk part on which calligraphy or pictures are drawn. This is the main part of the hanging scroll, and in the case of calligraphy, it includes Chinese poems, haiku, proverbs, etc. written in ink. The paper is often made from particularly high-quality Japanese paper or silk, which preserves the longevity and beauty of the work.
■ Heaven and earth
Tenchi are the cloth or paper parts attached to the top and bottom of the main paper, and are used to protect the work and improve its appearance. The upper part is called “heaven” and the lower part is called “earth.” The colors and patterns on the top and bottom are chosen to match the content of the paper, and play a role in creating overall harmony. In particular, the balance between heaven and earth is an important element that determines the overall beauty of a hanging scroll.
■ Middle rotation
Nakomawashi is a piece of cloth or paper attached to surround the left, right, top, and bottom of the main paper. This serves as a decoration and has the effect of making the piece stand out. The colors and patterns for the nakamawashi are chosen to match the mood and theme of the piece, and are an important element in creating an overall aesthetic balance.
■ Wind belt
Kaze-obi is a long, thin piece of cloth that hangs from the top of a hanging scroll, and was originally used to protect the main paper from the wind, but now it plays an important role as part of the decoration. The color and pattern of the wind obi add movement and accent to the design of the hanging scroll, so it is important to choose the color and pattern.
■ One character
Ichimoji are narrow strips of cloth at the top and bottom of the main paper that serve a decorative role. They are often decorated with particularly luxurious decorations, and serve to enhance the formality of the entire hanging scroll. The material and color of each character are carefully selected to match the theme and scene of the hanging scroll.
■ Axis tip
The tip of the scroll is a piece of wood or bamboo at both ends of the bottom of the scroll, and is used to make it easier to wind the scroll. The tip of the scroll plays an important role in storing the hanging scroll, and is also designed as a decorative element. Traditional shaft tips are sometimes made of expensive materials such as ivory or lacquer.
[Characteristics of hanging scrolls used to decorate calligraphy]
The hanging scrolls that display the calligraphy are specially designed to highlight the beauty of the calligraphy. Below are its characteristics.
・Contents of the book:
Chinese poems, haiku, proverbs, etc. are written on calligraphy scrolls. These are chosen according to the season or theme and enhance the mood of the moment.
・beauty of blank space:
In calligraphy, placement of letters and margins are very important. The margins express tranquility and spaciousness, and help maintain the balance of the entire book.
・Ingenuity in mounting:
Calligraphy hanging scrolls often have simple and elegant mountings to bring out the characters. The color and texture of the fabric are designed to highlight the beauty of the calligraphy.
4. Types of hanging scrolls
There are various types of hanging scrolls, depending on where they are displayed, when they are displayed, and their purpose. Each type has specific characteristics and purposes, and is deeply tied to Japanese culture. Here we will explain in detail the main types of hanging scrolls.
■ Daily use
A daily hanging scroll is a hanging scroll that is displayed on a daily basis. It is used to enjoy the sense of the seasons, with seasonal landscapes and paintings of flowers and birds drawn on it. For example, cherry blossoms and plum blossoms are commonly depicted in spring, cool landscapes in summer, autumn leaves in autumn, and snowy landscapes in winter.
■ Congratulations hanging
A celebratory scroll is a hanging scroll used for celebrations such as weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries. A typical design is Takasago, which symbolizes longevity and happiness for the couple. In addition, cranes, turtles, and pine, bamboo, and plum blossoms, all of which bring good luck, are often depicted.
■Buddhist hanging
A Buddhist hanging scroll is a hanging scroll used during Buddhist events and memorial services. Buddhist paintings and sutras are drawn on it, and it is displayed at times such as memorial services, Obon, and Equinox. Buddhist statues such as Fudo Myoo and Kannon Bodhisattva are often depicted, and they have a strong religious meaning.
■ Festival hanging
Festival hanging scrolls are hanging scrolls that are decorated to coincide with specific festivals. For the Doll’s Festival, a “female doll” is depicted, and for the Boy’s Festival, a “carp climbing a waterfall” or “Shoki-sama” are depicted. These are meant to celebrate seasonal events and liven up the atmosphere at home.
■ Calligraphy hanging scroll
A calligraphy hanging scroll is a hanging scroll used to display calligraphy works. Zen words, lessons, poems, etc. are written in ink, and their beauty and spirituality can be appreciated. It is especially often used in tea rooms and is closely related to the tea ceremony.
[Type of mounting]
There are two main types of mounting for hanging scrolls: Yamato mounting and Bunjin mounting.
■ Yamato Mount
Yamato mounting is a unique Japanese mounting style and is a traditional style of hanging scrolls. Yamato mounting is divided into three styles: “Shin (Kaisho),” “Gyo (Gyosho),” and “Kusa (Cross calligraphy).” Each type has variations such as “Shin no Shin,” “Shin no Gyo,” and “Shin no Kusa,” indicating a high level of formality.
“True truth” isThe most prestigiousIt is used in Buddhist paintings and calligraphy for worship, and is characterized by its strict and luxurious decoration, with double lines around each character. “Shinnogyo”, which omits one letter, is a little less formal, but is still considered to be a high-class mounting. “Shin no Kusa”, which omits one more character, is the simplest form, but it still belongs to the true form.
“Gyo no Shin” is a common mounting style, used in a wide range of works such as flower and bird paintings and landscape paintings, and has a high level of formality, and is often used especially at shrines and shrines. “Gyo-no-Gyo” is a mounting style with a medium level of formality and is suitable for everyday viewing. “Gyo no Kusa” is the simplest form and is suitable for hanging scrolls for everyday use, but it is not often seen.
“Kusa-no-gyo” is often used at tea ceremonies, and is also used in calligraphy and paintings written by Zen monks and tea masters, and is simple and practical with few decorations. “Kusa no kusa” is the simplest form and avoids excessive beauty, with no characters surrounding the main paper, and decorations are modest.
■ Bunjin-hoso
Bunjin-hose is a mounting style that originates from China and is mainly used for literary paintings, Chinese poetry, and Nanga. This format is characterized by a simple and functional style to enhance the natural beauty of the work, especially when displaying calligraphy or poetry. Maruhodo is one of the most common literati mounts, and is characterized by its simple and unified design.
It is widely used because it is relatively cheap and available. Mincho mounting is characterized by its simple yet sophisticated design, with the entire piece surrounded by the same split fabric and narrow edges on both sides. It is mainly used for Chinese literature, Chinese poetry, and Nanga, and many designs respect the thoughts and sensibilities of the author.
Making a hanging scroll at 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.
We work with vendors who can produce traditional hanging scrolls, and we are able to create original designs, from the creation of the work to the selection of the hanging scroll. Please see below for details.
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Finally
Hanging scrolls are traditional Japanese ornaments, and although they originated in China, they have developed within Japan’s unique aesthetic sense and culture. Historically, it began with Buddhist paintings, and has come to be used for a variety of purposes, including tea ceremonies and everyday decorations.
Calligraphy hanging scrolls are particularly popular and highly praised for their artistry. Even today, it is loved by many people, and new ways of expression are introduced while preserving traditional techniques. We hope that you will enjoy and deeply understand Japan’s rich culture and aesthetic sense through the hanging scrolls.
