Collection of East Asian Hanging Scrolls
(Gifted in 2026)
A hanging scroll ‘kakejiku’ is a traditional decorative item made by mounting East Asian Paintings and calligraphy on fabric or paper for decorative display and appreciation.
The gift was selected by Prince John Landrum Bryant from his personal collection of scrolls in honor of his beloved wife Patricia Bauman, member of the Montefiore Health System Board of Trustee (2001-2024).
Storytelling in Japanese Scrolls
Japanese scrolls have a long and rich history in Japanese culture, dating back to ancient times. Known for intricate designs and detailed artwork, scrolls serve as both a form of artistic expression and a means of preserving and sharing stories and traditions.
The scrolls featured in this collection are known as ‘kakejiku' - a traditional form of art that has been practiced for centuries. These scrolls are typically made of paper or silk and are adorned with beautifully painted images or calligraphy. The scrolls are often mounted on wooden rods and can be rolled up for storage or display.
Created primarily in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, these Japanese scrolls celebrate the beauty of nature through elegant depictions of birds, landscapes, and symbolic imagery. Reflecting centuries of artistic tradition, they invite viewers to pause and appreciate the harmony, craftsmanship, and quiet contemplation that characterize East Asian ink painting.
Japanese scroll paintings invite the viewer to explore a world where tradition, technique and cultural richness converge. We invite you to experience the harmony of simplicity and storytelling with every brush stroke.
Technique of Japanese Scroll Painting
Japanese scroll paintings are typically created on paper or specifically prepared silk. Artists sit on the floor, with the paper or silk laid out in front of them applying sumi (black ink) or pigments using a brush held vertically.
The brushes used in Japanese scroll paintings differ as artists need to produce broader strokes by applying pressure with the ink-filled brush on the paper. Initially, color pigments were derived from vegetables, but nowadays, they are predominantly mineral based. Upon completion, no varnish or similar coatings are added, leaving nothing between the painting and the viewer.