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Updated: 19 Feb 2025

Japanese Hanging Scroll
(Kakejiku-22)

$362.03

Delivery Time: Approx. 5-14 days
*Delivery may take longer, depending on countries or holiday seasons.

INCLUDED: Wooden box

Title: Kabuto and Tachi Zu

Material: Paper

Age: Unknown

Width Length Weight
92.0cm 236.0cm 1112g

You can enlarge all the photos to see the detail of the item.

In stock

SKU: Kakejiku-22 Category:

Title: Kabuto and Tachi 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. 

 Regarding the design, a Samurai helmet called Kabuto (兜) and Tachi (太刀) sword are depicted. Kabuto is a protector for the head. It seems this Kabuto is categorized as the Suji Kabuto (筋兜), which consists of many small riveted iron plates to form its shape. Its form slides swords’ attacks when weapons hit the Kabuto. It is said that the production of the Suji Kabuto prospered in the Muromachi (室町, 1336-1573) period, and its production continued in the Edo period also; however, iron plates that Kabuto makers used at that time were thicker than the Muromachi period’s Suji Kabuto and it was heavier. In addition to that, the principal purpose of its design has changed with time; Samurais tried to express their dignity, personality, or religion by wearing the characteristic design Kabutos. Therefore, people gradually began to cherish the Suji Kabuto to enjoy the old-style Kabuto, not to wear it on the battlefields. 

 If you look at the Fukikaeshi (吹き返し) part, which is attached to the ends of the Kabuto and protects the face from swords, you would find a beast-like animal is depicted. It is Karajishi (唐獅子). The Shishi (獅子) means a lion in Japanese, and the Karajishi is a lion brought from the continent to Japan in the Toh period (唐, Tang dynasty, 618-907). The Karajishi typically has curly hair for its head, neck, body, and tail, as seen on this work. In Buddhism, the Karajishi is regarded as a symbol of wisdom, and Monju Bosatu (文殊菩薩, Manjushri Bodhisattva) rides lions. According to a theory, the Karajishi is the origin of Komainu (狛犬, stone guardian dogs that exorcize evil spirits). It shows this animal motif has been familiar to Japanese people since ancient times. 

 The scabbard of this Tachi sword is covered with Shirisaya (尻鞘), or called Shizaya (毛鞘). It is a fur pouch that covers the scabbard of a sword to protect it from rain and dew, and was made from the fur of leopard, tiger, bear, deer, or boar. 

 Also, the stand on which the helmet is displayed is decorated with a butterfly (蝶, Chou) pattern. People preferred the butterfly pattern due to its growth process, beauty, and auspiciousness among the various animal patterns. A larva becomes a chrysalis, and it grows up into a butterfly. Since this insect changes its looks, it symbolizes being reborn; therefore, Samurai loved this design. In this way, butterflies are seen as symbols of human life, death, and resurrection and are said to house the souls of the dead. It is said that the butterfly pattern has been used since the Heian period (794-1185). This design was brought from the continent to Japan, and people introduced it in various fields. As proof of this, butterflies have also appeared in stories, such as the Heike-Monogatari (平家物語, The Tale of the Heike). This insect design gradually began to be used as a family crest, and it spread nationwide by being used by the Taira (平) clan. Taira-no Kiyomori (平 清盛, 1118-1181), who was the leader of the Taira family, used the Agehachou (揚羽蝶, swallowtail) crest. That is, it was treated as a symbolic design of the Heike (平家). According to a theory, about 300 Samurai used this motif for their family crests in the Edo period. It tells us the deep relationship between butterfly patterns and Samurai culture.

 The frames are also decorated with auspicious plants; for example, the golden ochre ground is decorated with a pattern of the Aoi (葵, Asarum caulescens). It is a plant in which each stem branches and has characteristic heart-shaped leaves. As its leaves have a habit of always facing the sun, and the word “Aoi” is taken as “Aogu (仰ぐ, looking up)” for the sun, people thought the Aoi pattern would bring good fortune.

 Along with the gorgeous appearance of the helmet and sword, there is an atmosphere of bravery and dignity on this hanging scroll.

 *As this item is an antique, please check each photo and ensure its condition.



Example of how to decorate a hanging scroll
 This image is an example of how to decorate a hanging scroll. 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.

【Payment method】
 We accept payment through Stripe (Credit card), PayPal, Apple Pay or ChromePay, all of which are secure payment methods. Also, you don’t need to make an account on Stripe for the checkout. If you prefer other payment method, please contact us. You may either pay in JPY, USD, AUD, CAD, EUR, CHF or GBP. The price is set in Japanese Yen. Prices in other currencies are automatically calculated based on the latest exchange rate. 

【Shipping duration】
 We normally ship via EMS (Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post. It usually takes at least 5-14 days to deliver the package after you place an order. Time of delivery is estimated as accurately as possible by the carrier but does not take into account any delays beyond our control such as by inclement weather, post office holiday seasons.

 We offer Free International Shipping as long as we can ship your order by EMS. If you prefer other shipping carriers, please contact us.
 We will inform you of the order’s tracking number via email. Please make sure you fill out your valid email address correctly.

*If you like to make sure if EMS shipping is available to your country, please contact us.

【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/

In stock

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