Goldfish / Kakejiku Hanging Scroll

The subject of the hanging scroll is "Goldfish."

As a seasonal hanging scroll for summer, it brings a sense of coolness amidst the heat. 
The scroll features a fortuitous combination of red and white: a single goldfish with a golden tail fin and two goldfish with white tail fins, symbolizing good luck and prosperity.

The tails of the goldfish seem to flutter lightly on the water surface, painted with a smooth and gentle touch, as if they are swimming leisurely.

Goldfish, as their name in Kanji suggests, are written as “money fish,” symbolizing good financial fortune. Additionally, due to their prolific breeding, they also embody the meanings of fertility and prayers for safe childbirth.

As the scroll symbolizes wealth and prosperity, it is recommended to be displayed throughout the year.

This product, "Goldfish," 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.

Delving into its history, hanging scrolls were introduced to Japan during the Asuka period(538CE–710CE), coinciding with the arrival of Buddhism from China, and initially featured Buddhist paintings. During the Heian period(794 CE–1185 CE), Buddhist scroll paintings became popular among the nobility, and in the late Kamakura period(1185 CE–1333 CE), as the tea ceremony gained popularity, alcoves were created as a symbol of power.

In the Azuchi-Momoyama period(1568 CE–1600 CE), influenced by the tea master Sen no Rikyu, the practice of changing hanging scrolls with the seasons was established. Mounted hanging scrolls are admired in alcoves and play a significant 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.