Kakemono

A , more commonly referred to as a , is a Japanese scroll painting or calligraphy mounted usually with silk fabric edges on a flexible backing, so that it can be rolled for storage.

As opposed to ''makimono,'' which are meant to be unrolled laterally on a flat surface, a ''kakemono'' is intended to be hung against a wall as part of the interior decoration of a room. It is traditionally displayed in the ''tokonoma'' alcove of a room especially designed for the display of prized objects. When displayed in a'' chashitsu,'' or teahouse for the traditional tea ceremony, the choice of the ''kakemono'' and its complementary help set the spiritual mood of the ceremony. Often the ''kakemono'' used for this will bear calligraphy of a Zen phrase in the hand of a distinguished Zen master.

In contrast to '''' or ''shohekiga'' , ''kakemono'' can be easily and quickly changed to match the season or occasion.

The ''kakemono'' was introduced to Japan during the Heian period, primarily for displaying Buddhist images for religious veneration, or as a vehicle to display calligraphy or . From the Muromachi period, , flower and bird paintings, portraiture, and poetry became the favorite themes.

In modern times, hanging scrolls of anime and manga characters as well as kung fu film stars are popular in North America.

If the width is shorter than the height, it is called a or ; if the width is longer than the height, it is called a or .

There is a cylindrical rod called ''jikugi'' at the bottom, which becomes the axis or center of the rolled scroll. The end knobs on this rod are in themselves called ''jiku'', and are used as grasps when rolling and unrolling the scroll.