Ichigo Ichie / Kakejiku Hanging Scroll

This scroll, Ichigo Ichie, is written by Master Kobayashi Taigen, the abbot of the Daitoku-ji Oubai-in Zen Temple.

The paper used is Echizen washi, made in Echizen, Fukui Prefecture, and is one of the three great washi papers of Japan.

The characters Ichigo Ichie (Once-in-a-Lifetime Meeting) are inscribed on the main paper (washi part). Ichigo Ichie embodies the idea of cherishing each unique encounter. It is known as an expression of the spirit of the tea ceremony, conveying the sentiments intended for the people gathered at the tea ceremony.

The calligraphy, penned by Master Kobayashi Taigen himself, conveys a strong conviction through each character's elegant curves and powerful brushwork, while also exuding a commanding presence in the tranquil space of the tea room.

This product, meant for hanging in a tea room, is called chakake, also known as rinpo hyoso. In the tea ceremony, hanging scrolls are indispensable for expressing the host's intentions and seasonal feeling.

Since ancient times in the world of the Japanese tea ceremony, hanging scrolls have been considered the foremost tool, and particularly, the calligraphic writing known as boku-seki races left by ink have held a place of prominence.

"Boku-seki," abbreviated from "zenrin boku-seki," refers primarily to the calligraphy left by Zen monks. Each work is written with the unique brushstrokes of the residing monk, capturing their mindset to the fullest extent. 

The hanging scroll is an important item that allows one to enjoy various events and seasonal changes, bringing a sense of ease and the transition of the seasons into everyday life. It is also frequently used to entertain guests who visit.

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.

This product, Ichigo Ichie, is carefully preserved in a beautiful wooden paulownia box, wrapped around the scroll rod. The wooden cylindrical ends of the scroll rod, known as jikusaki, are coated in black lacquer and show traces of brush strokes, giving them a slightly uneven but glossy surface. Jikusaki is an important part when storing a hanging scroll, and it varies depending on the type of the scroll.

On the inside of the beautiful paulownia box lid, there is a powerful and smooth signature of Kobayashi Taigen, written directly by himself.