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)

STRUCTURE:

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 SIGNIFICANCE:

  • 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

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

COUNTER:
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)
general
Added 2026.1.17 12:45 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
06000/06122_kakejiku