Fortune-Ascending Koi / Kakejiku Hanging Scroll
The subject of the hanging scroll is “Fortune-Ascending Koi.”
The hanging scrolls featuring carp are more popular than those depicting other animals.
The significance of the koi stems from its depiction of strength in ascending waterfalls, and the legend that a koi which climbs the falls will transform into a dragon. This symbolizes ascension in status, increasing wealth, and business prosperity.
"Fortune-Ascending Koi" represents the wish to overcome adversity and aim for higher heights.
This product, "Fortune-Ascending Koi," is carefully stored, wrapped around a scroll rod inside a beautiful wooden paulownia box. The cylindrical parts at both ends of the scroll, known as jikusaki, are crucial when storing the scroll. The jikusaki of this product are made of stoneware, and the material used for the scroll ends can be indicative of who created it and for what purpose, adding to its allure.
Hanging scrolls are important for enjoying various events and seasonal changes, bringing a sense of leisure and the transition of seasons into daily life. They are also commonly used to entertain guests.
Tracing its history, the hanging scroll was introduced to Japan during the Asuka period (538 CE–710 CE). It coincided with the arrival of Buddhism from China, and initially, Buddhist paintings were depicted on these scrolls. In the Heian period(794 CE–1185 CE), these Buddhist painting scrolls became popular among the aristocracy. By the late Kamakura period(1185 CE–1333 CE), with the popularity of the tea ceremony, alcoves were created to display power.
In the Azuchi-Momoyama period(1568 CE–1600 CE), influenced by the tea master Sen no Rikyu, scrolls began to be changed seasonally. The mounted scroll, appreciated in these alcoves, plays an important role in Japanese interior decoration.
Hanging scrolls are deeply rooted in Japanese traditional culture, yet the number of Japanese rooms and alcoves where scrolls are displayed has been decreasing. However, the value of conveying the messages encapsulated in scrolls remains undeniable.
The charm of these scrolls lies in the different meanings expressed by the characters and paintings they depict, the fabrics used in the details, and the patterns.
Today, they add color to both homes and offices and are ideal for collections of Japanese art. Hanging scrolls not only represent Japanese culture but also provide viewers with a sense of richness and a serene space.
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| Package type | Paulownia box |
| Origin | Made in Japan |
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The main work features two koi energetically leaping up, creating splashes as they ascend a waterfall.
This depicts the strength to overcome adversity, carve out one's own realm, and break through the barriers to success.
Focusing on the mounting, the brocade in the ichimonji “fabrics attached to above and below main work”area is adorned with dragon patterns. The dragon, symbolizing ascent to heaven, conveys wishes for promotion and leaps forward, and was a symbol of power.
Especially in the East, the dragon is a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, affirming that this scroll is considered to be of good luck.
About Craftsmen
Nishijima Kazufumi
Born in 1969 in Gifu Prefecture, this artist is listed in the Art Yearbook. Having studied Japanese painting since childhood, they made their debut as a Japanese painter in 1988.
They are an independent Japanese painter, specializing in flower and bird as well as portrait painting.
In 2019, they were responsible for the original paintings of the Tezuka Productions sumi-e hanging scrolls, and they also worked on the original paintings for the ultra-generation KAKEJIKU series featuring Gamera and Godzilla.
In 2021, they announced collaborative works with Tsuburaya Productions.
In 2022, collaborative works with Toho Co., Ltd. were also announced.