What is a hanging scroll?
Hanging scrolls originally came from China. They were researched and handed down by a large number of mounters, people specializing in Japanese hanging scrolls or folding screens. They go together really well with the Japanese way of life. Hanging scrolls are Japan’s one of a kind artistic craft-works. Through hanging scrolls, one is able to feel the changing of seasons and experience the calm peace of mind that exists in one’s day to day life, while changing the scrolls for each season in accordance with various events.
◆How to put away hanging scrolls
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Use a light feather duster to lightly brush the dust off of the scrolls.
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Put the nock to the right side and hold the jikusaki (items attached to both tips of the scroll stick) and roll up the scroll around the stick until the scroll itself is about one character worth of space above the stick. When you want to hang up the scroll again, do the same process backwards. Use the node to remove the nails.
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Fold the tassel along the creases above a tatami floor. Carefully wind up the scroll and wrap the kakeo (string attached to the top) in accordance with the picture to the right. Finally, wrap the scroll in soft paper and store it in a scroll box.
◆軸緒の巻き方と軸箱への収納
◆Preserving Scrolls
When you store scrolls in places with a lot of humidity, there is a chance that they will end up having mold grow on them.
Please air out your scrolls from time to time by hanging them up on a sunny autumn day.
Air out your scroll boxes in the shade. Brush off the scroll and the box with a dry cloth and store the scroll away.
Mothballs and camphor cause stains. Therefore, please use a insect repellent that is specifically made for scrolls. If stains caused by water or mold are left alone they will become difficult to remove.
Please be aware that creases etc will require you to get the scroll repaired or made over from scratch.