Kakejiku - Red Fuji
Vintage item
This hanging scroll is hand-painted on washi paper and mounted on a wooden and silk frame.
Details & story
Hanging scrolls representing a red Fuji are often displayed for New Year, but seeing that it brings happiness, it is sometimes displayed regardless of the calendar.
In Japan, there is a strong belief that every creature on earth has a spirit and that mountains are inhabited by gods. No wonder that the biggest of all, Mt. Fuji, has been worshipped since ancient times.
Towards the summer, the snowy cap of Fuji is melting and becomes highly reflective, giving the impression that it turn into a vibrant red when the sun rises. This phenomenon called “Aka Fuji” (red Fuji) has been considered very auspicious for centuries and seemed very mysterious as well. A couple of cranes is also a very auspicious motif to be displayed on a hanging scroll but it is not often that we see red Fuji and a crane couple together.
The central artwork is executed with ink painting. Some details on the pine branches are made with gold powder.
Condition
Used. The paper seems a little fragile and shows that it has been used before. The background is not completely even and it has some creases here and there. It doesn’t spoil the beauty of the object in my opinion, but it needs to be handled with care. This is why the price is calculated lower than other similar products in better conditions.
Dimensions
54,5 x 186,5 cm (wood pole 60 cm)
Made in Japan. Sourced in Kagoshima 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.