掛(か)け軸(じく)

かけじく

noun

hanging scroll

1. hanging scroll

A Japanese scroll painting or calligraphy mounted on fabric and hung on a wall, typically in a tokonoma alcove.

床(とこ)の間(ま)に掛(か)け軸(じく)を飾(かざ)る。

To hang a scroll in the tokonoma alcove.

季節(きせつ)に合(あ)わせて掛(か)け軸(じく)を替(か)える。

To change the hanging scroll according to the season.

祖父(そふ)が書(か)いた掛(か)け軸(じく)を大切(たいせつ)にしている。

I treasure the hanging scroll that my grandfather wrote.

Etymology

掛(か)ける (to hang) + 軸(じく) (axis/scroll)

Common patterns

A 掛(か)け軸(じく) typically consists of:

本紙(ほんし): the main artwork or calligraphy
表装(ひょうそう): the mounting fabric
軸(じく): the wooden roller at the bottom

Cultural note

Traditional element of Japanese interior design
Displayed in the 床(とこ)の間(ま) (tokonoma) alcove of traditional rooms
Changed seasonally or for special occasions
Common subjects include calligraphy, landscapes, and seasonal themes

In 茶道(さどう), the scroll is an essential element, often featuring Zen calligraphy that sets the theme for the gathering.

Counting patterns

Counted with 幅(ふく) or 本(ほん): 掛(か)け軸(じく)一幅(いっぷく)

Related Words

Related: 屏風(びょうぶ) (folding screen)

Compare: 絵巻(えまき) (picture scroll, illustrated scroll)

Compare: 書画(しょが) (calligraphy and painting)

Compare: 壁掛(かべか)け (wall hanging)

general

Added 2026.1.17 12:45 · Revised 2026.10.18 21:24

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