Kakemono
A
kakemono, more commonly referred to as a
kakejiku, is a Japanese scroll painting or calligraphy mounted usually with silk fabric edges on a flexible backing, so that it can be rolled for storage. As opposed to
makimono, which are meant to be unrolled laterally on a flat surface, a
kakemono is intended to be hung against a wall as part of the interior decoration of a room. It is traditionally displayed in the
tokonoma alcove of a room especially designed for the display of prized objects. When displayed in a
chashitsu, or teahouse for the traditional tea ceremony, the choice of the
kakemono and its complementary flower arrangement help set the spiritual mood of the ceremony. Often the
kakemono used for this will bear calligraphy of a Zen phrase in the hand of a distinguished Zen master. In contrast to
byōbu or
shohekiga,
kakemono can be easily and quickly changed to match the season or occasion. The
kakemono was introduced to Japan during the Heian period, primarily for displaying Buddhist images for religious veneration, or as a vehicle to display calligraphy or poetry.