Japanese Art Collection
A kakemono, «hanging», 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. It 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. Κakemono can be easily and quickly changed to match the season or occasion.
The kakemono was introduced to Japan during the Heian period (794-1185 AD), primarily for displaying Buddhist images for religious veneration, or as a vehicle to display calligraphy or poetry. From the Muromachi period (1392 – 1573 AD), landscapes, flower and bird paintings, portraiture, and poetry became the favorite themes.
Εmakimono is a Japanese painted scroll, which is to be unrolled laterally on a flat surface from right to left. The emakimono were stored and unrolled only for reading.