Kakemono Kakejiku Japanese cranes in flight - HIKO-CHO NO TSURU

Traditional Japanese Kakemono - Timeless Works of Art

The Kakemono, an iconic artistic treasure of Japan, embodies the elegance and subtlety of traditional Japanese culture. Presented in the form of a scroll, this masterpiece is supported by a thin semi-cylindrical wooden rod at its top, while a larger diameter cylindrical wooden rod at its lower end ensures balance when displayed on a wall.

Used in tea ceremonies or in traditional Japanese homes, the Kakemono is carefully arranged in the tokonoma, a special alcove bathed in diffuse light, as described in Tanizaki's famous essay "In Praise of Shadows." The Kakemono's support, called hyōsō (表装), provides a setting for the artwork, showcasing it with grace and respect.

Each Kakemono features an exquisite painting executed on silk or paper, sometimes adorned with calligraphy of transcendent beauty. Its ends are delicately adorned with pieces of ivory, horn, red sandalwood, lacquer, ceramic, or crystal. These embellishments, with harmonious colors and patterns, align with the artwork, emphasizing its artistic splendor.

Crafting a handmade Kakemono requires exceptional craftsmanship, reserved for the skilled hands of specialists. Every detail is executed with meticulous precision, an inheritance from an ancient tradition.

To preserve its timeless beauty, the Kakemono is carefully rolled and stored in a box, often made of paulownia wood, accompanied by a small anti-moth sachet. This precaution, especially when the framing fabric is silk, demonstrates dedicated care for the preservation of this work of art.

In the tea ceremony, the choice of Kakemono is crucial, its harmony with the seasons is essential. Some sets consist of four panels, each evoking one of the four seasons, capturing the ephemeral and changing beauty of passing time.

The Kakemono, more than just a suspended work of art, embodies the quintessence of Japanese aesthetics, connecting nature, time, and artistic delicacy in a scroll of transcendent beauty.

Kakemono Manufacturing Process