Nanten Fukuju / Kakejiku Hanging Scroll

The subject of the hanging scroll is "Nanten Fukuju."


This item is classified as a seasonal hanging scroll, meant for display in winter.

The plants depicted are nanten and fukuju-so (adonis plant). 
In Japan, there has long been a tradition of cherishing the seasons, preserving their landscapes and seasonal customs in various forms.
This product features nanten “nandina” set against a winter snowscape, evoking the atmosphere of early spring with its vibrancy.

This product, "nanten fukuju," 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.

On the underside of the beautiful paulownia box's lid, just like on the main paper, there is a signature handwritten by Suzuki Yuri in graceful and smooth calligraphy. Despite its delicacy, one can sense a certain strength and core within it.

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.