Kakejiku - Crane couple, plum tree and blue pine
Vintage item
This hanging scroll is hand-painted on washi paper and mounted on a wooden and silk frame.
Details
This hanging scroll would be displayed during winter or after a wedding. It features various auspicious symbols: the crane couple, the pine tree, the plum blossoms and the bamboo grass. A couple of cranes are a symbol of eternal love and happiness in the family.
The central artwork is executed by hand using different techniques of ink painting. Some details on the pine branches and under the sun are made with gold powder.
The pine branches are represented in a light blue which gives the painting a different feel from other kekejiku of this style.
By looking at the flowers closely, we can see that the black elements (which were executed at first) look almost blue under the
transparency of the white blossoms.
Condition
Used. Very good condition.
Dimensions
61 x 181,5 cm (wood pole 66,5 cm)
Made in Japan. Sourced in Miyazaki prefecture.
What is a kakejiku?
Japanese hanging scroll or Kakejiku (掛軸) are hung on the wall to display Japanese ink paintings (sumi-e) or calligraphy. Some kakejiku are designed for special occasions (such as wedding ceremonies) but they are also appreciated all year-long as an interior decoration. In traditional codes, the best is to match the artwork or the poem represented on it to the upcoming season.
The work of art at the center is executed on thin paper or fabric, before being mounted to stiffer background papers, and framed with various jacquard silk fabrics. When not in use, it can be rolled for stored away in its box.