How to Hang and Roll

How to Hang a Kakejiku

1. Remove the Hanging Scroll from Its Box

Remove the hanging scroll from its paulownia wood box or paper box, and carefully take off the wrapping paper. Slowly untie the cord wrapped around the scroll, and remove the protective paper underneath the cord.

2. Hang the Scroll on the Hook While It Is Still Rolled

Hold the cord at the top of the hanging scroll with one hand and support the rolled scroll with the other hand, then place the cord onto the wall hook.
The photo shows an adjustable hanging fitting, but a standard wall hook may also be used.

3. Slowly Unroll the Scroll

Support the hanging scroll with one hand while slowly unrolling it downward with the other.
Do not let the scroll drop suddenly, as this may cause creases or wrinkles. When unrolling the scroll, avoid touching the artwork directly whenever possible.

4. Adjust the Fūtai Strips

If the hanging scroll has fūtai, the two narrow decorative fabric strips hanging from the top, gently adjust them so that they hang naturally on both sides.

5. Straighten the Hanging Scroll

Adjust the position of the cord on the hook from side to side until the hanging scroll is level.

6. Check the Overall Balance

Step back and view the hanging scroll from the front. Check that it is not tilted, and adjust the left and right balance as necessary.

How to Roll and Store a Kakejiku

1. Slowly Roll the Scroll Up from the Bottom

Hold both ends of the bottom roller and slowly roll the hanging scroll upward from the bottom. Once the scroll has been rolled approximately halfway, remove the hanging cord from the hook with one hand and move the scroll to a clean, flat surface.

Then slowly roll up the remaining section. Rolling the hanging scroll too tightly may cause creases or wrinkles.
When rolling the scroll, avoid touching the artwork itself whenever possible.

2. Fold the Fūtai Strips Inward

If the hanging scroll has fūtai, the two narrow decorative fabric strips hanging from the top, gently fold both strips inward. If the fūtai are rolled together with the hanging scroll without being folded, they may develop a permanent curl. Always fold them inward before storing the scroll.

3. Secure the Scroll with the Cord

First, wrap the narrow protective paper around the hanging scroll to protect it from friction caused by the cord.
Begin wrapping the cord slightly to the left of the center of the scroll.
Wrap the cord around the scroll approximately three times, then fold the cord back underneath the loop at the top of the scroll, as shown in the image.
Bring the folded cord to the opposite side from where you began, then pass it through the loop once more to secure it neatly.
Do not tie the cord too tightly, as this may leave marks on the hanging scroll or cause it to retain a strong curl.

4. Place the Scroll in Its Box

Wrap the hanging scroll in its protective paper and place it inside the paulownia wood box or paper box. When placing it in or removing it from the box, take care not to bump, force, or press the scroll.

5. Store Away from Humidity and Direct Sunlight

Avoid humid locations and areas exposed to direct sunlight. Store the hanging scroll in a dry, well-ventilated place.
When storing it for an extended period, occasionally remove it from the box and allow it to air out. This can help prevent mold and staining.

Important Notes

※ Rolling the hanging scroll too tightly may cause creases or wrinkles.
※ Storing the scroll while it contains moisture may encourage mold growth. Whenever possible, avoid storing it on rainy days or during periods of high humidity.