🕓 2024/7/12
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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.
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.
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.
Kakejiku, or hanging scrolls, are traditional Japanese decorative items that feature calligraphy or paintings mounted on cloth or paper for display. The structure of a kakejiku consists of several key parts：
■ Main Paper (Honshi)
The honshi is the central part of the kakejiku, where the calligraphy or painting is presented. It is the focal point of the scroll, often featuring ink paintings or written works such as poems, haiku, or proverbs. High-quality Japanese paper (washi) or silk is commonly used to ensure the longevity and beauty of the piece.
■ Heaven and Earth (Tenchi)
Tenchi refers to the fabric or paper sections attached above (heaven) and below (earth) the main paper. These sections protect the artwork and enhance its visual appeal. The colors and patterns of tenchi are chosen to complement the honshi, contributing to the overall harmony of the scroll. The balance between the heaven and earth sections is crucial for the aesthetic quality of the kakejiku.
■ Surrounding Fabric (Chumawashi)
Chumawashi is the fabric or paper surrounding the honshi on all sides. This decorative element helps highlight the main artwork, adding an extra layer of visual interest. The color and pattern of the chumawashi are selected to enhance the theme and atmosphere of the kakejiku, ensuring aesthetic balance.
■ Wind Strip (Futai)
The futai is a long, narrow piece of cloth hanging down from the top of the kakejiku. Originally used to protect the honshi from wind, the futai now serves primarily as a decorative feature. The choice of color and pattern for the futai adds movement and accent to the scroll's design.
■ Ichimonji
Ichimonji are narrow fabric strips placed above and below the honshi, serving a decorative purpose. Often richly decorated, ichimonji elevate the overall elegance of the kakejiku. The material and color of the ichimonji are carefully selected to match the scroll's theme and setting.
■ Rollers (Jikusaki)
Jikusaki are the wooden or bamboo ends at the bottom of the kakejiku, making it easier to roll up the scroll. These ends play a crucial role in storing the kakejiku and are also designed with decorative elements. Traditional jikusaki can be made from luxurious materials such as ivory or lacquered wood.
【 Features of Calligraphy Kakejiku 】
Kakejiku featuring calligraphy are specially designed to emphasize the beauty of the written characters. Here are some features:
・Content of the Calligraphy：
These kakejiku often include poems, haiku, or proverbs. The content is chosen to reflect the season or a specific theme, enhancing the atmosphere of the setting.
・Beauty of Empty Space：
In calligraphy, the placement of characters and the use of empty space are crucial. The empty space conveys a sense of tranquility and expansiveness, balancing the overall composition.
・Mounting Techniques：
The mounting of calligraphy kakejiku is typically simple and elegant, focusing on highlighting the beauty of the characters. The choice of fabric color and texture is made to complement and enhance the calligraphy.
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.
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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.。