Kakejiku: The Art of Japanese Hanging Scrolls and Their Silent Beauty

What if a single scroll could tell a story, mark the passing of seasons, or offer a quiet moment of reflection?

In traditional Japanese culture, the kakejiku—or hanging scroll—is more than just decoration. It is a living expression of time, place, and spirit.

From sacred Buddhist imagery to delicate seasonal calligraphy, kakejiku have adorned temple halls, tea rooms, and private homes for centuries. They change with the seasons, welcome guests, and turn ordinary spaces into realms of harmony and mindfulness.

Whether you're an art lover, a cultural explorer, or simply curious about Japan’s timeless elegance, journey with us into the world of kakejiku—and discover how a single piece of hanging fabric can carry centuries of meaning.

What Is a Kakejiku?

A kakejiku (掛け軸) is a traditional Japanese hanging scroll used to display works of calligraphy, paintings, or religious texts. The artwork is mounted on decorative paper or silk and finished with bamboo or wooden rods at the top and bottom, allowing it to be easily rolled for storage or unrolled for display.

Unlike framed art, kakejiku are not meant for permanent exhibition. Instead, they are changed regularly—often with the seasons, for special occasions, or to match the theme of a tea ceremony. This practice reflects a Japanese cultural sensibility called shitsurai (室礼), which values preparing a space to harmonize with time, place, and purpose.

Kakejiku are typically displayed in a tokonoma (床の間), a recessed alcove found in traditional Japanese rooms. In this setting, the scroll becomes the visual and spiritual centerpiece, offering a moment of quiet contemplation and refined beauty to all who enter. Think of a kakejiku as a seasonal whisper on your wall—quiet, elegant, and full of meaning.

In essence, a kakejiku is not just a way to show art—it is a medium through which the changing rhythms of nature, thought, and hospitality (omotenashi) are expressed in visual form.

A Brief History of Kakejiku

The history of kakejiku (hanging scrolls) spans over a millennium, evolving alongside Japanese religion, aesthetics, and architecture. Originally introduced as Buddhist imagery, kakejiku gradually transformed into a rich medium of artistic and seasonal expression.

From Buddhism to the Samurai Class

Kakejiku were first introduced to Japan during the Asuka period (6th–7th century), brought from China as a way to display Buddhist images (仏画). By the Heian period (794–1185), they were mainly used in temples and homes of aristocrats and monks**, serving as objects of worship. At this stage, hanging scrolls were rarely seen in common households.

In the Kamakura period (late 12th–14th century), with the rise of Zen Buddhism and ink wash painting (sumi-e), kakejiku began to shift from strictly religious artifacts to artistic expressions.

Integration into Tea Culture

During the Muromachi period (14th–16th century), residential architecture evolved with the development of shoin-zukuri—a style that introduced the tokonoma (alcove). This space became the ideal location to display a kakejiku, especially in the context of the tea ceremony (chanoyu). Influenced by Sen no Rikyū, the great tea master, scrolls began to play a central role in expressing seasonality, hospitality, and spiritual refinement.

Kakejiku's Social Expansion

By the Azuchi-Momoyama period (late 16th century), the use of kakejiku extended beyond religious and artistic elites. In reception rooms of samurai and aristocrats, scrolls were selected based on the status of the guest, the time of day, or the season. It was not uncommon to change the scroll multiple times a day to match the situation—demonstrating thoughtfulness and sophistication.

In the Edo period (17th–19th century), hanging scrolls became increasingly popular among townspeople and cultural elites. This era saw the rise of bunjin-ga—paintings by literati or scholars who practiced calligraphy and painting as personal expression. People also began to mount their own works as scrolls, embracing kakejiku as an accessible, personal art form.

Additionally, the spread of ukiyo-e and mass production allowed inexpensive kakejiku to become more widely available, making the scroll a familiar item in many households.

Modern Decline and Cultural Reappraisal

In the Meiji and Taishō periods (late 19th to early 20th century), Japanese-style paintings (nihonga) flourished. Influenced by Western techniques, Japanese painters refined their craft, and kakejiku gained international attention as part of Japan’s broader artistic renaissance.

However, following World War II, Western-style homes became more common in Japan, and tokonoma spaces disappeared from most residences. This led to a decline in everyday use of kakejiku, but at the same time, elevated their status as museum-grade artworks. Today, they are mainly seen in temples, tea rooms, and exhibitions, admired as sophisticated expressions of Japanese aesthetic and spiritual values.

Styles and Types of Kakejiku

Kakejiku come in a wide variety of styles, each with its own cultural meaning and artistic intent. Many scrolls are chosen based on the season, the occasion, or the guest, following the art of harmonizing space with time and purpose. Here are some of the most common types.

Calligraphy (書, Sho)

These scrolls feature beautifully brushed characters—often Zen sayings, classical poems, or meaningful words. Some combine calligraphy with images, while others focus purely on the expressive brushwork and spiritual message of the text.

Landscape Painting (山水画, Sansuiga)

Depictions of mountains, rivers, and valleys, often shown with seasonal elements like cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, or snowfall. These paintings invite quiet reflection on nature’s vastness and beauty.

Bird-and-Flower Painting (花鳥画, Kachōga)

Delicate paintings of birds and seasonal flowers, symbolizing harmony between living creatures and the natural world. Often used to celebrate the elegance of the changing seasons.

Buddhist and Shinto Imagery (仏画・神画, Butsuga / Shinga)

Scrolls that portray deities, Buddhas, mandalas, or religious phrases (myōgō). These are often chosen to reflect the faith or sect of the household, and may serve ceremonial or devotional purposes.

Animal Painting (動物画, Dōbutsuga)

Depictions of animals, both real and mythical. Common subjects include tigers, cranes, horses, and fantastical creatures like dragons and kirin (Chinese unicorns). These artworks may carry symbolic meanings such as strength, longevity, or protection.

Scenic Views (風景画, Fūkeiga)

Paintings of rural fields, forests, or villages, sometimes including people or traditional homes. These scrolls capture a nostalgic or peaceful atmosphere of everyday life in harmony with nature.

Portraits and Figures (人物画, Jinbutsuga)

Scrolls depicting historical figures, spiritual teachers, or mythological characters. They may convey respect, wisdom, or heroic narratives passed down through generations.

Many people choose different kakejiku throughout the year, adjusting the theme to match the season, celebration, or intention—turning everyday spaces into expressions of beauty and mindfulness.

Anatomy of a Kakejiku

A kakejiku is not just a piece of art—it is a carefully constructed scroll made of multiple parts, each carrying both aesthetic and symbolic value. While the exact structure may vary depending on the style of mounting (hyōsō), most hanging scrolls follow a shared vocabulary of components.

Main Parts

Honshi (本紙)

The main artwork—either a painting or calligraphy.
- If made of paper: shihon (紙本)
- If made of silk: kenpon (絹本)
Ichimonji (一文字)

Narrow horizontal strips of decorative fabric (often gold brocade) placed above and below the honshi.
Chūmawashi (中廻し)

Broader fabric surrounding the honshi, typically located between the ichimonji and the outer edges.
Tenchi (天地)

The top (ten) and bottom (chi) borders of fabric that complete the vertical layout. These define the scroll’s "heaven" and "earth."
Hashira (柱)

The vertical side strips on the left and right edges. In some styles, they use the same fabric as the tenchi.
Fūtai (風帯)

Two long hanging decorative strips that dangle from the top of the scroll. These are purely ornamental, often made from the same fabric as the ichimonji.
Tsuyu (露)

Small fan-like decorative tassels at the ends of the fūtai.

Wooden Components

Hassō (八双)

The half-rounded wooden bar at the top of the scroll, also known as hyōmoku (表木).
Jikubō (軸棒)

The wooden rod at the bottom of the scroll used for rolling. It is hidden within the bottom fabric and backing paper.
Jikusaki (軸先)

The decorative knobs at both ends of the jikubō. They are used to grip and roll the scroll and can be made of wood, ivory, or ceramic.
Kakehimo (掛け紐)

The cord used to hang the scroll on a hook or nail.
Makihimo (巻き紐)

A separate cord used to tie the scroll when it is rolled up for storage.

Two Philosophies of Mounting: Yamato vs. Bunjin

In the world of Japanese hanging scrolls (kakejiku), the choice of mounting style does more than hold the artwork—it expresses a deeper philosophy about art, spirituality, and how a work should be experienced.

Yamato-hyōsō: Tradition, Ceremony, and Order

Yamato-hyōsō is the classical Japanese style of mounting, developed through centuries of religious practice, courtly ritual, and tea ceremony culture. In Yamato-style mounting, scrolls are classified into three levels of formality, each suited to different subjects and settings:

Shin (真) – Most formal

Used for Buddhist paintings, mandalas, and sacred calligraphy. The mounting fully surrounds the inner artwork with wide borders, creating a symmetrical and dignified appearance.
Gyō (行) – Moderately formal

Commonly used for Chinese paintings, seasonal themes, or classical Japanese works. The outer border appears only at the top and bottom, giving a balanced yet less rigid feel.
Sō (草) – Informal or expressive

Favored for Zen calligraphy, poetic ink works, and tea room scrolls. The design is lighter and more spontaneous, with narrower side elements and a relaxed composition.

These three styles reflect not just visual design, but also the spirit and intention behind each scroll—ranging from sacred devotion to artistic simplicity.

Bunjin-hyōsō: Simplicity, Expression, and the Literati Spirit

Bunjin-hyōsō refers to a style of scroll mounting inspired by Chinese literati aesthetics from the Ming dynasty (1368–1644).

In Japan, it gained popularity during the Edo period. As bunjinga (literati painting) flourished, so too did the mounting style associated with it. Unlike the structured elegance of Yamato-style scrolls, bunjin-hyōsō emphasizes modesty, naturalness, and personal sentiment. Though simple in spirit, bunjin-style mountings include a range of subtle variations, each carrying unique aesthetic choices:

Fukuro-hyōsō (袋表装 / Bag-style mounting)

The simplest form, consisting only of the artwork and surrounding fabric. Often made with a single type of cloth.

Also known as maru-hyōsō (丸表装) when decorative borders (ichimonji) are added.

Maru-hyōsō (丸表装 / Full wrapping with border)

A rounded, soft appearance using the same fabric on all sides, plus a narrow decorative strip above and below the artwork.

Wind strips (fūtai) are often omitted.

Minchō-hyōsō (明朝表装 / Ming-style mounting)

Adds vertical side borders (minchō) to maru-style scrolls.

A more decorative option within the bunjin tradition, especially popular in mid-Edo period Japan.

Kara-hyōsō (唐表装 / Tang-style mounting)

A variant of maru-style that includes thin decorative lines (sujimawashi) between fabric sections.

Also known as hosokane-hyōgu (細金表具), these mountings may use subtle gold-thread borders for refined elegance.

While Yamato mountings follow established formality, Bunjin mountings reflect freedom, individual taste, and artistic dialogue with nature.

Kakejiku in Modern Life

While hanging scrolls (kakejiku) are no longer common in everyday Japanese homes, they have found new life in modern art, design, cultural preservation, and education. Rather than fading into obscurity, kakejiku continue to evolve—bridging tradition with innovation.

As Art and Cultural Heritage

Private collectors and museums now treat kakejiku as treasured cultural assets.

For example, the Nikaido Museum of Art in Ōita Prefecture houses over 1,000 traditional hanging scrolls, many of which are by renowned Japanese painters.
Restoration efforts are also ongoing. Institutions like the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties are dedicated to conserving and repairing historical scrolls, ensuring that their beauty and meaning endure for future generations.

Creative Adaptations

A new generation of artists and designers is finding fresh ways to reimagine kakejiku.

For instance, Bijutsu no Mori offers scrolls featuring anime and movie characters, blending traditional format with pop culture. These playful scrolls attract younger audiences and make Japanese culture feel more accessible.

Contemporary calligraphers and visual artists are also experimenting with modern materials, abstract design, and digital integration, showing that the scroll format remains a living canvas.

In Mindful and Spiritual Spaces

Kakejiku are still used in Zen temples, tea rooms, and meditation studios to evoke calm and reflection.

Scrolls featuring seasonal imagery, Buddhist verses, or Zen sayings are selected to resonate with the mood and intention of the space. A well-placed scroll can turn a simple room into a space of meaning and mindfulness.

In Education and Cultural Transmission

Kakejiku are featured in tea ceremony schools, calligraphy workshops, and Japanese art courses as part of cultural education. Public exhibitions and workshops help audiences rediscover the scroll’s artistic value.

Museums such as the Tokyo National Museum and MOA Museum regularly organize seasonal scroll exhibitions.

From Zen temples to anime scrolls, the kakejiku continues to evolve—not just as an artifact of the past, but as a living symbol of Japanese creativity, spirituality, and beauty.

Where to Buy a Kakejiku: A Guide for International Collectors

Finding and purchasing an authentic kakejiku can be a meaningful way to connect with Japanese culture—but for international buyers, it’s not always easy. Many antique dealers and online auctions operate only in Japanese or do not ship abroad.

Here are some trusted options and tips for both buying from overseas and shopping in Japan during your visit.

Buying from Outside Japan

Nomura Kakejiku (野村掛軸)

A rare Japan-based shop that offers English-language support and international shipping. They feature a wide selection of calligraphy, seasonal themes, and custom framing options.

Visit Art Nomura

Etsy or eBay (selected sellers)

Some independent sellers on platforms like Etsy and eBay specialize in vintage Japanese art, including hanging scrolls. However, quality and reliability vary, so it’s important to:

Check the condition (scrolls may be aged or fragile)
Confirm seller location and international shipping availability
Review return policies and verify authenticity

Visit Etsy

Visit eBay

Where to Buy Kakejiku in Japan (When You Visit)

If you're planning a trip to Japan, visiting in person opens up more possibilities:

Department store art salons

High-end department stores like Mitsukoshi (Nihombashi) and Isetan (Shinjuku) host periodic art exhibitions that include kakejiku alongside ceramics, lacquerware, and other traditional crafts.
- Example: Isetan’s “The Stories” Exhibition (2023) featured calligraphy scrolls in a modern interior setting.
- Example: Mitsukoshi Nihombashi Art Fair (2022) showcased traditional hanging scrolls by contemporary artists.

Traditional art galleries and specialty shops

Kyoto, Kanazawa, and Tokyo’s Nihombashi district host long-established shops dealing in antique scrolls and custom mounting services

Tip: Ask gallery staff or temple shop attendants about seasonal recommendations—many scrolls are chosen to reflect time and mood.

While authentic scrolls can be difficult to find abroad, thoughtful sources like Nomura Kakejiku, and art spaces in Japan’s major cities, offer chances to bring home a scroll that speaks to you—literally and spiritually.

Conclusion: A Living Scroll of Time and Spirit

More than just wall art, the kakejiku is a quiet companion to the rhythms of life in Japan. It embodies seasonal awareness, aesthetic refinement, and the heartfelt spirit of omotenashi—welcoming guests with beauty and intention.

From sacred temples to modern interiors, from Zen sayings to anime reimaginings, kakejiku continue to bridge tradition and innovation, whispering stories of nature, culture, and time to those who pause and look.

Whether you hang one in a tea room, a study, or a quiet corner of your home, a kakejiku invites you to slow down, reflect, and feel the moment. Let the scroll speak—softly, seasonally, and soulfully.