A kakejiku (掛け軸), or Japanese wall scroll, brings an air of refined elegance and cultural depth to any space. Whether you’ve recently acquired your first or are considering ways to properly display a cherished piece, understanding the correct hanging techniques will ensure both its visual beauty and long-term preservation. This guide covers everything from selecting the ideal location to carefully securing your scroll.
The Basics of Hanging a Wall Scroll
Before selecting a mounting method, it’s important to understand the basics of placement and preparation. Proper positioning enhances the impact of the artwork while protecting the delicate materials used in traditional scroll-making.
Choosing the Ideal Display Location
In traditional Japanese homes, kakejiku are displayed in the tokonoma (床の間). This specially designed alcove highlights art and seasonal decorations. While modern interiors may not have a designated tokonoma, careful selection of a display space ensures the scroll remains a focal point without risk of damage.
Consider the following when choosing where to hang your kakejiku:
・Avoid direct sunlight – Prolonged exposure can cause fading and deterioration of delicate materials like silk and paper.
・Maintain proper viewing height – Ideally, the center of the scroll should be positioned at eye level, approximately 160 to 170 cm from the floor.
・Keep clear of furniture and high-traffic areas – Ensure the scroll has space to be appreciated without obstruction or risk of accidental contact.
・Match the scroll to the room’s purpose – Consider the artwork’s theme; for example, seasonal scrolls can enhance a living or reception area.
・Use a stable wall surface – A solid backing or support beam helps secure the scroll properly while maintaining wall integrity.
Tools and Materials for Hanging
To properly hang your wall scroll, make sure you have the following tools and materials:
· Wall hooks or nails (if using the traditional method)
· Damage-free wall hanging strips (for no-hole living spaces)
· Leveling Tool (available on most phones)
· Measuring Tape
· Pencil
· Hammer
How to Hang a Wall Scroll With Hooks
Using hooks for mounting is a traditional and secure method that enhances the stability and presentation of your kakejiku. This approach ensures the scroll is properly supported while allowing for easy adjustments.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Measure and mark the hanging point – Use a measuring tape to determine the ideal height, ensuring the scroll hangs at eye level.
2. Mark the placement – Lightly mark the desired position on the wall with a pencil.
3. Secure the hook – Screw in the hook at a slight upward angle to prevent slipping.
4. Hang the scroll – Carefully lift it by its top rod and place the attached cord or ribbon over the hook.
5. Adjust for balance – Ensure the scroll hangs evenly and smooth out any wrinkles or uneven tension.
A properly displayed kakejiku requires ongoing attention to maintain its beauty and integrity. Understanding proper care techniques ensures your scroll remains a cherished piece for decades.
Check out our Japanese Scroll Collection!
How to Hang a Wall Scroll Without Hooks
For renters or those who prefer not to make holes in their walls, there are alternative methods that provide a secure and damage-free display.
Hanging Strips (No-Hole Option)
・Attach adhesive strips to the top corners of the scroll’s mounting.
・Ensure the wall surface is clean and dry before application.
・Press firmly to secure, then hang the scroll in place.
Tension Rod (For Alcoves or Doorways)
・Install a tension rod between two walls or within a doorway.
・Hang the scroll from the rod using its attached cord.
Over-the-Door Hooks
・Utilize an over-the-door hook to suspend the scroll without damaging the wall.
・Attach discreet hanging strips at the bottom corners for added stability to prevent movement.
Final Touches and Care Tips
Properly displaying kakejiku requires ongoing attention to maintain its beauty and integrity. Careful handling and maintenance ensure that your scroll remains a cherished piece for generations.
Fuchin (風鎮): Decorative Weights
A distinctive feature of traditional kakejiku, fuchin serve both a functional and decorative purpose. Though they were originally designed to keep scrolls taut and hanging correctly, they have evolved into refined embellishments that complement the scroll’s overall aesthetic. Craftsmen create fuchin from materials such as ceramic, metal, or wood, often incorporating intricate designs that enhance the artwork’s theme. The weight and size of each piece are carefully calibrated to provide balance without placing unnecessary strain on the delicate scroll.
Ensuring Stability and Longevity for Your Scroll
Proper care significantly extends the lifespan of your kakejiku. Follow these best practices to preserve its condition:
・Handle with care – Roll and unroll the scroll gently, always from the bottom to the top, to prevent creasing or damage.
・Store properly – When not on display, keep the scroll in a kiribako (桐箱), a lightweight paulownia wood box known for its protective qualities.
・Avoid direct contact with the artwork – Always hold the scroll by its mounting, not the painted or calligraphy portion.
・Regular maintenance – Periodically dust the scroll using a soft brush designed for delicate materials.
・Check hanging hardware – Over time, adjust the positioning if the scroll shifts or the mount loosens.
Check out our Japanese Scroll collection!
Anatomy of a Kakejiku
A traditional kakejiku is a masterpiece of Japanese craftsmanship, carefully designed with multiple components that enhance both its visual appeal and structural integrity. Each element plays a role in framing, supporting, and preserving the artwork.
1. Kakeo (掛緒) – A silk hanging cord that allows for proper wall mounting and easy height adjustment.
2. Hangetsu (半月) – A subtle decorative strip that creates a smooth transition between the upper section and the main artwork.
3. Ten (天) – The upper decorative fabric margin that balances and frames the overall composition.
4. Futai (風帯) – Vertical side strips running along the artwork, providing essential framing and structure.
5. Tsuyu (露) – A transitional decorative element placed just below the main artwork to enhance the visual flow.
6. Hashira (柱) – Narrow decorative columns positioned between the futai and the central image, adding a refined touch.
7. Honshi (本紙) – The main artwork or calligraphy piece, serving as the focal point of the scroll.
8. Shita (下) – The lower decorative fabric margin that visually anchors and completes the scroll’s design.
9. Jikusaki (軸先) – Decorative end knobs on the dowels, facilitating easy rolling while protecting the scroll.
Each component is meticulously crafted, ensuring that the scroll not only serves as a beautiful display piece but also remains structurally sound for generations.
Kakejiku in Japanese Culture
Beyond their decorative purpose, kakejiku embody centuries of artistic tradition and spiritual depth. These hanging scrolls serve as more than just wall adornments—they represent a profound connection to Japan’s cultural heritage, artistic refinement, and philosophical teachings.
History of Kakejiku
The origins of kakejiku trace back to the Heian period (794–1185), when Buddhist scriptures were displayed in temple halls. Over time, this format evolved beyond religious use, finding a place in the residences of nobility. During the Muromachi period, tea master Sen no Rikyū (1522–1591) incorporated wall hangings into the aesthetics of the Japanese tea ceremony, emphasizing simplicity and seasonal themes. By the Edo period (1603–1868), they had become a common feature in everyday households, displaying calligraphy, landscapes, poetry, and seasonal motifs.
Symbolism
Every scroll carries deeper cultural meaning, with its imagery and calligraphy reflecting core Japanese aesthetic principles. The themes often align with seasonal changes, philosophical wisdom, or religious devotion, creating a dynamic and intentional living space.
Common symbolic elements in kakejiku include:
・Seasonal motifs – Cherry blossoms for spring, autumn leaves for fall, and snow-covered landscapes for winter symbolize harmony with nature.
・Calligraphy with wisdom or poetry – Many scrolls feature Zen proverbs or haiku, offering daily inspiration and reflection.
・Religious themes – Buddhist or Shinto imagery serves as a focal point for meditation and spiritual practice.
Transform Your Space with Japanese Hanging Scrolls
A well-chosen kakejiku transforms any space into an environment of tranquility and contemplation. In traditional Japanese homes, scrolls are rotated seasonally, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving atmosphere that reflects nature’s rhythms. Whether featuring delicate ink paintings, bold calligraphy, or serene landscapes, a kakejiku serves as an artistic focal point that enhances your interior with timeless beauty.
If you are considering starting or expanding your collection, explore our carefully curated selection of kakejiku and bring the essence of Japanese artistry into your home.
See Our Japanese Scroll Collection!