At our company, we have been involved in the creation and restoration of traditional Japanese hanging scrolls for many years.

Among our most heartwarming experiences is working with international clients.

In this article, we would like to introduce a recent story involving a client from the United States.

 

The Initial Inquiry

The client, a gentleman residing in Santa Fe, USA, came across a beautiful Daruma painting at a local sale. Instantly captivated by its charm, he purchased the piece.

 

However, the painting’s condition was far from ideal. The right side of the work was severely damaged, with multiple tears that made it fragile and at risk of further deterioration.

Believing that the artwork could still be saved, he reached out to us for advice.

After thoroughly reviewing the images he sent, we explained that while it would be difficult to completely mend the torn sections, we could restore the painting to a point where the damage would be less noticeable, and it could be transformed into a hanging scroll.

The client understood the limitations of the repair and agreed to proceed with the restoration.

 

The Consultation

Once the painting safely arrived at our workshop, we examined it closely.

The damage on the right side was extensive, but with meticulous care, we determined that the tears could be skillfully reconnected and reinforced through backing.

We assured the client that we could bring the piece back to a displayable condition.

We then moved on to the next stage: discussing the mounting process.

To complement the dignified presence of the Daruma, we proposed several fabric options that matched the client’s budget.

 

We took photographs of the painting alongside different fabrics to help the client visualize the final outcome, making the decision-making process easier.

Ultimately, the client selected the perfect combination.

During the consultation, the client shared a personal story with us: “Although I haven’t visited Japan in a long time, I love your country. I’ve attached a photo taken about 20 years ago at Togakushi Shrine in Nagano. It was the day of my cousin’s wedding to a Japanese woman, and the ceremony was held at the shrine. It was one of the most memorable days of my life.”

His love for Japan and his fond memories deeply resonated with us, and we felt even more committed to restoring this precious artwork with all our expertise and care.

 

The Restoration Process

The most challenging aspect of the restoration was repairing the multiple tears.

The process involved carefully applying moisture to the painting, allowing the delicate washi paper to become more pliable, and then joining the torn sections seamlessly.

This was a painstaking task, as too much pressure could further damage the fragile material, requiring a delicate balance of strength and precision.

 

The Completion

Finally, the restoration was complete, and the Daruma painting was transformed into a beautiful hanging scroll.

 

The once severely torn sections were now almost invisible, thanks to our team’s skillful work.

 

We successfully completed the restoration of the hanging scroll and delivered the beautifully finished piece to the client, filling our entire team with a great sense of accomplishment.

 

Conclusion

At our company, we take great pride in restoring and mounting hanging scrolls for both domestic and international clients.

Each piece tells a story, and we strive to preserve that history while delivering the highest quality craftsmanship.

If you have a cherished work that needs restoration or mounting, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We would be honored to help bring your precious memories and artworks back to life.