What is Kakejiku?

Kakejiku is a traditional Japanese hanging scroll that displays calligraphy or a painting. It is also known as a kakemono or a makimono, and it is often hung in a prominent place, such as in a Japanese tea room, a home, or a shrine.

Kakejiku typically consists of a silk or paper scroll with a wooden roller at the bottom and a decorative wooden or silk knob at the top, which is used to hang the scroll. The calligraphy or painting on the scroll can depict anything from landscapes to traditional Japanese characters, and it is often done by skilled artists or calligraphers.

Kakejiku has been an important part of Japanese culture for centuries, and it is often used as a way to display artwork, convey important messages, or commemorate important events. They are also used as a decoration for festivals, weddings, and other special occasions.

“Kakejiku” refers to a hanging scroll, which is a decorative piece used to display calligraphy or paintings in a tokonoma (alcove) for appreciation. The scroll is mounted on a wooden or ivory roller at the top, and a fabric known as “kireji” is used as a base to enhance the artwork. While in modern times, artwork is often displayed in frames and hung on walls, traditionally, hanging scrolls were commonly used to decorate tokonoma in Japanese homes.

The history of hanging scrolls dates back to ancient times, and they were already present in Japan during the Asuka period. During the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, ink wash paintings became popular as Zen and tea ceremony influences, and during the Edo period, hand-painted ukiyo-e art was also used as decoration. In the Meiji period, Japanese-style paintings were also used for hanging scrolls, further increasing their artistic value.

Hanging scrolls have been designed to be compact and easily stored, as they can be rolled up to protect the artwork from dust and ultraviolet light. They are also lightweight and easier to store than framed artwork, which is a further advantage.

What is Tokonoma?

“A tokonoma is a raised alcove found in a traditional Japanese room (washitsu). It is typically located in the most formal room of the house and decorated with items such as hanging scrolls and flower arrangements to entertain guests. The history of the tokonoma dates back to the Nara period. Originally, it was created as a place for high-ranking individuals to sit, raised one step higher than the tatami floor. However, during the Edo period, it became popular among common people and evolved into the tokonoma we know today. By the way, the seat facing away from the tokonoma is considered the most honorable. On the other hand, a hanging scroll is a decoration that displays calligraphy or artwork for viewing pleasure. In the past, it was used for worship rather than decoration. However, over time, people began to enjoy hanging works of art depicting seasonal flowers or featuring beautiful words, and hanging scrolls became recognized as decorative items. Hanging scrolls and flower arrangements are essential decorative items that enhance the beauty of a Japanese-style room. They are often displayed to entertain guests, with the type of scroll changing according to the season. Additionally, they are hung with the intention of praying for safety, marital harmony, longevity, and improved fortunes in feng shui.

Seasonal Kakejiku

The hanging scrolls that represent each season are as follows:

Spring “Cherry Blossom” – Many of these feature cherry blossoms paired with birds or the moon, symbolizing the celebration of spring with new feelings.

Summer “Morning Glory” – This flower is often depicted in summer-themed shades of blue and gives off a refreshing atmosphere.

Autumn “Maple Leaf” – This design often features a combination of birds with autumn leaves that turn bright red, symbolizing the vivid and profound season of autumn.

Winter “Daffodil” – The pure white daffodil that blooms elegantly represents the winter season, waiting eagerly for spring.

Hanging scrolls with designs of seasonal flowers are referred to as “kisetsu-kake,” and decorating a room with different types of hanging scrolls for each season adds a certain elegance and charm. The scrolls used for kisetsu-kake often depict both the seasonal flowers and birds in their designs.

Auspicious event Kakejiku

“Shouchikubai Takasago” Auspicious motifs symbolizing marital harmony and longevity. They are often hung during engagement ceremonies, weddings, and as commemorative gifts for special occasions. “Shouchikubai Tsuru Kame Shouchikubai, the trio of pine, bamboo, and plum, symbolizes vitality, while tsuru (crane) and kame (turtle) represent longevity. This motif is popular for celebrating milestones such as 60th and 70th birthdays.

Hanging scrolls with auspicious motifs are used for celebratory occasions such as New Year’s, engagements, and weddings. The most representative ones are “Shouchikubai Takasago” and “Shouchikubai Tsuru Kame”.

Buddhist Memorial Kakejiku

Pine, Bamboo, Plum, and High Waves: An auspicious design symbolizing marital harmony, longevity, etc. It is often used for engagement or wedding receptions, as well as for anniversary gifts. Pine, Bamboo, Plum, and Crane/Turtle: Pine, bamboo, and plum are symbols of strong life force, while crane and turtle represent longevity. It is popular for celebrating one’s 60th and 70th birthdays or as a gift for such occasions. Buddhist memorial scrolls are typically displayed during events such as the Bon Festival, Higan, and Buddhist memorial services, and it is common to choose designs that are appropriate for one’s sect. The most famous types of scrolls used for Buddhist memorial services are “Kannon-sama” and “Rokujizo,” which are popularly known as six-character incantations.

Year-round Kakejiku

Year-round hanging scrolls can be hung regardless of the season.

For those who want to enjoy the atmosphere of Japanese style even in Western-style rooms, there are modern hanging scrolls available.

• Sumi ink landscape: A landscape painting drawn with black ink, often depicting the story of the author. This is one of the most commonly seen types of hanging scrolls.
• Shoga (calligraphy and painting): A hanging scroll that includes both text and images, and is popular for being able to be hung regardless of the season.
• “Bamboo and Sparrow” by Shoun Mogi: This modern hanging scroll depicts bamboo and a sparrow, and has an impressive atmosphere. It can be easily hung on the wall to enjoy the Japanese atmosphere throughout the year.
• “Tapestry Flowers” by Koushou Ogawa: This is a modern hanging scroll made of hemp and features a work that imagines the changing seasons. It is a contemporary style hanging scroll that is suitable for indirect lighting in living rooms and other areas.

Feng Shui in mind Kakejiku

Feng Shui originated in China, but there are no tokonoma (alcove) in China. By placing auspicious kakejiku in the tokonoma, which is often built in the direction of bad luck, it is said to improve luck.

Features of Feng Shui Kakejiku:

• Four Divine Beasts: A kakejiku depicting the four divine beasts used in Feng Shui. It is said to take in the flow of good luck and represents prosperity in business, marital harmony, longevity, and exorcism.”