Recently, someone commented on my work, describing my kakejiku as “traditional yet innovative from a Western perspective.” This got me thinking—what do people outside Japan truly think of kakejiku?
Kakejiku are a traditional Japanese art form with a distinctive vertical proportion. Interestingly, the design of kakejiku reflects its origins in Japanese culture. Traditionally, the upper section, called “ten” (heaven), is made longer than the lower section, called “chi” (earth). This proportion was carefully thought out to suit a seated viewing posture, where one looks up at the scroll from a tatami mat. Additionally, their narrow shape was designed to fit beautifully within a tokonoma (a special alcove for art and flowers).
Early in my career, I sometimes struggled to make kakejiku feel “modern,” which is why I experimented with using canvas. But over time, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the beauty and practicality of kakejiku.
One of their greatest advantages is how compact they are. You can roll them up for easy storage, which is a huge benefit when shipping internationally—much more cost-effective than canvases! But that’s not all. For those who own kakejiku, they’re incredibly space-saving to store, and you can effortlessly switch them out to suit your mood.
In fact, this was a common practice in traditional Japanese homes. People would swap out scrolls to reflect the changing seasons or bring meaningful messages into their space. A scroll featuring cherry blossoms might be displayed in spring, while a snowy landscape or a New Year’s blessing might grace the walls in winter. Isn’t it fascinating how this flexibility can bring a fresh perspective to modern living?
So, here’s my question to you:
When you see a kakejiku, what’s your impression?
Do you find it traditional? Elegant? Or perhaps a bit outdated?
I’d love to hear your thoughts—whether you’re an art enthusiast, designer, or someone curious about Japanese culture. Please share your perspective in the comments! 😊
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