Kakejiku Hanging Scrolls
A combination of craft techniques
Japanese hanging scrolls or kakejiku are one of the most important elements in the traditional Japanese room. Especially in the world of tea ceremony, kakejiku is known as cha-kakejiku. They are expressly made to compliment interiors where tea (cha) ceremony is performed. With a subtle simplicity designed to encourage a deeper understanding of the tea ceremony's own rustic beauty, cha-kakejiku are different from other types of kakejiku used in ordinary households and in Buddhism temples.
Kakejiku are created by a fine combination of several different craft techniques using paper, cloth, wood, metal and other materials. Long-time practice and sensitivity is needed by the crafts person in order to get the materials to work together and compliment each other. Although kakejiku can be called Japanese "frames," they must be distinguished from the western concept of framing. This is because they are designed to be rolled up so that art work inside can be safely stored and preserved. For this reason, the layers of paper and cloth have to be perfectly fit and attached to each other. The materials used to mount the art work must be of extremely high quality which will last without degrading even after many long years.
Kakejiku are not static art pieces, but very alive. They are a part of ever-changing environments. A good kakejiku master can foresee the life span of the piece, one of the most important and painstaking points in the kakejiku-making process. Room conditions must be carefully monitored, with just the right amount of humidity to maintain quality. This is because all the materials have originated in the natural Japanese climate.
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