#What Are Hanging Scrolls?
In Japan, hanging scrolls (“Kakejiku”) have been part of daily life for centuries. They’re not just decoration – they’re a reflection of time, occasion, and even the spiritual atmosphere of the moment.
Traditionally, scrolls fall into a few categories:
* Jōjikake (All-season scrolls): Versatile pieces you can display anytime, no matter the season.
* Keijikake (Celebratory scrolls): Used for joyful occasions like New Year’s, weddings, childbirth, milestone birthdays, or moving into a new home. They brighten and bless festive gatherings.
* Butsujikake (Buddhist scrolls): Displayed for Buddhist ceremonies. With Buddhism’s deep roots in Japan, these scrolls became a natural part of rituals. Different sects use different designs, so the choice depends on tradition.
* Kisetsukake (Seasonal scrolls): Perhaps the most delightful of all. These scrolls follow the rhythm of Japan’s four seasons. Imagine cherry blossoms in spring, flowing waterfalls in summer, fiery autumn leaves, or serene snow scenes in winter. Strictly speaking, the seasons flow continuously, so many different seasonal themes exist. They bring the outdoors, and the spirit of the season, into your home.
#Seasonal Scrolls in Practice
There’s a lovely custom with seasonal scrolls: they’re usually hung a little “before” the subject comes into full season (about a month to a month and a half early). Once the subject has passed its peak, it’s time to move on to the next. This way, your home reflects not just the present, but the gentle anticipation of what’s to come.
This custom extends to tea ceremony scrolls and calligraphy, where timing and atmosphere are everything.
My grandfather even had his own twist – he called it “Gyakugake” (which means displaying a scroll of the opposite season). On hot, humid summer days, he would hang scrolls of snowy landscapes. For him, it wasn’t only about art; it was a way to invite a cool breeze into the imagination.
#How Often Should You Change a Scroll?
Scrolls don’t enjoy being left in one place for too long. Sunlight, humidity, and even dust can cause damage. Museums – where everything is carefully controlled – limit display time to about 40 days. At home, I’ve heard two weeks is a good guideline.
Yes, it can feel like a small chore. But think of it differently: changing scrolls regularly keeps them healthy and brings a fresh, seasonal spirit into your home.
This simple ritual also reflects a core idea in Japanese aesthetics – “wabi-sabi”, the beauty of impermanence. By rotating scrolls, you’re tuning into the fleeting, precious nature of each season.
#A Gentle Invitation
Why not give it a try? The act of hanging a seasonal scroll can transform the atmosphere of your room. One small change on the wall can shift the whole mood of your living space, reminding you to pause, notice, and savor the moment.
After all, that’s what hanging scrolls have always been about – not just art, but a way of living with the seasons.
The photo shows a work by Sakamoto Gado.
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