Title: Kari and Bajo Musha Zu
Description
This item is a Kakejiku (掛軸, hanging scroll). When displaying a hanging scroll in a Japanese-style room, it is generally hung on the wall of the Tokonoma (床の間). However, no etiquette says you cannot hang a hanging scroll anywhere other than in Tokonoma or a Japanese-style room. You could enjoy them regardless of where you display them. You could also create an alcove-like space by simply hanging a scroll out of direct sunlight, laying tatami mats under it, and placing Japanese miscellaneous goods and flower arrangements. A Tokonoma is a space in a Japanese-style room where the floor is one step higher than the rest of the room. It was initially thought to be a place where gods resided and was created as a space for people of high status to sit. Since the Edo period, Tokonomas have been created in ordinary houses as a place for guests (high-status people) to sit, and it is considered the most sacred and noble place in a Japanese-style room. In recent years, it has often been set up as a space for art exhibitions, such as hanging scrolls and displaying flowers and ornaments.
Especially this hanging scroll seems to have been the one that was hung in the season of Tango no Sekku (端午の節句). The Tango-no Sekku (端午の節句) is one of the seasonal festivals and generally regarded as the Boy’s Festival. It is said that the Tango-no Sekku comes from the Continent. Since the Muromachi period (1336-1658), there has been a custom in which some kind of items, such as a hanging scroll depicting a Samurai or Samurai armors, were displayed in the hope of boys growing up well and succeeding. This type of design, a Samurai riding a horse, has been said to ward off evil spirits.
Regarding the design, the figure of a Samurai riding on a horse, which is called Bajo (馬上, on a horse) Musha (武者, Samurai worrier), is depicted. Judging from his wearing luxurious armor, he seems to be a high-ranked Samurai. Also, he has a large bow (弓, Yumi) in his hand and arrows (矢, Ya) on his back. The bow and arrow called Yumi-Ya (弓矢) was once one of the classical primary weapons for Samurai. Additionally, it was believed that the Yumi-Ya would exorcize evil spirits in the house. And in the Edo period, small bow and arrows were given to baby boys as their first New Year’s gift in hope for them growing to be a respectable Samurai worrier.
Also, alighting geese (雁, Kari), which is called Rakugan (落雁), is depicted on the upper side. The wild goose is a migratory bird, arriving in Japan in autumn to overwinter and returning to the north in the spring. Therefore, it represents autumn. In addition, because of its unique call, Kari is known as “a bird that carries good luck and good news,” meaning that it carries a message with its ancestors and brings good news. This bird was incorporated into designs for sword mountings and family crests as well. We would say this bird motif has been familiar to Japanese people since ancient times.
Along with the elegant appearance of the white horse and geese, there is an atmosphere of bravery and grace on this hanging scroll.
*As this item is an antique, please check each photo and ensure its condition.
Examples of how to decorate a hanging scroll
This image is an example of how to decorate a hanging scroll. Please note that the hanging scroll in this photo differs from the actual item. Hanging scrolls are an interior decoration that could be enjoyed by changing them according to the seasons. We hope you find your favorite designed hanging scroll and enjoy decorating your room with your great collection.
【About us】
Samurai Museum is located in Tokyo, Japan, exhibiting antique artifacts related to the Samurai history. Samurai Museum Shop is the place for those who are interested in Japanese culture and craftsmanship. We deal with antique Samurai swords/armor, traditional crafts made in Japan and so on.
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【Shipping duration】
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【How to make sure the condition】
Please keep in mind that what you are going to purchase is an antique item. We uploaded high resolution photos for you to check its condition thoroughly. If you like to see more photos with different angles, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to send them to you so that you can make informed decision.
It is essential for us to know that you are happy with your choice of antique item and we are prepared to use the best of our ability to serve you.
Would you like see some more antique items for sale? Please check the link below. We hope you can find your favorite item.
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product-category/antique/
