Scroll Restoration Request from a Customer in Hong Kong: Stain Removal and Severe Creases Beautifully Repaired
Kakejiku, or traditional Japanese hanging scrolls, are irreplaceable cultural treasures that transcend time, connecting the hearts of people across generations.
But what should you do when these beloved scrolls become damaged or stained over the years?
Since our founding, we at the ART NOMURA have restored countless scrolls and helped pass on the deep emotions and stories our customers have entrusted to these pieces.
Our mission is to revive the beauty of your treasured scrolls through the skilled hands, knowledge, and techniques we have cultivated over many years.
In this article, we’d like to introduce a heartwarming episode of scroll restoration for a customer living in Hong Kong.
Contents
From Inquiry to In-Person Visit
The customer first contacted us via email. They shared details of their scrolls’ current condition, asked about precautions for repair, and inquired about the approximate budget.
After receiving our response, they decided to visit us in person at our Kobe studio during their trip to Japan.
We have welcomed many customers from overseas before, but this was the first time someone visited us specifically to request scroll restoration. We were excited to see how the consultation would unfold.
On the day of the visit, the customer arrived with their family, bringing two scrolls: one featuring bamboo and sparrows, and the other, a work of calligraphy.
We were told that these scrolls were a cherished gift from the wife’s Japanese piano teacher, whom she regarded as a second mother. Since her teacher had passed away, the scrolls held deep sentimental value, and the customer wished to discuss the restoration process directly and thoroughly in person.
We always keep a wide selection of mounting fabrics in stock, allowing us to present various options next to the scrolls to help the customer better visualize the final result.
They carefully examined and selected the most suitable combination. Their thoughtful expressions and the care they took in making their selections showed just how important these scrolls were to them. We felt their deep love and desire to restore the pieces so they could proudly display them once more.
We listened attentively and supported them through each step—from fabric selection to design consultation—to ensure the restoration reflected their heartfelt wishes.
The two scrolls they entrusted to us had clearly suffered over many years. The surface of the artwork was covered with heavy staining that made appreciation difficult.
In particular, the calligraphy scroll was in critical condition due to severe discoloration and extensive creases throughout.
Restoration Details and Procedures
The restoration work proceeded in the following order:
1. Dismantling the Scrolls
First, we carefully removed the old fabric mountings and rods from the existing scrolls, taking great care not to place stress on the artwork itself.2. Removing the Old Backing Paper
We peeled away the aged backing paper from the rear of the artwork.3. Washing and Stain Removal
The artwork was washed, and persistent stains were treated with targeted stain removal techniques.4. Reinforcement and Flattening Creases
We applied a new backing layer to stabilize the artwork and carried out repairs to reinforce the creased areas.5. Remounting
Finally, using the fabric selected by the customer, we remounted the piece into a newly finished scroll.
Of particular note in this restoration was the stain removal. The stains had accumulated over many years and were especially stubborn. We made fine adjustments to the concentration of the cleaning agents, application time, frequency, and temperature to restore the scroll as carefully and thoroughly as possible.
The Completed Scroll and the Customer’s Reaction
After the restoration, the scrolls were transformed—free from discoloration and stunning in their renewed appearance.
The customer shared their thoughts:
It looks brand new. The restoration was a complete success. Every time I look at the scrolls, I’m reminded of my teacher. Thank you for allowing me to enjoy them again.
Hearing such words of satisfaction brings us great encouragement and joy.
Passing on the Spirit Within a Scroll to the Future
Helping to preserve and restore the memories and history contained in a treasured scroll—that is our mission at the ART NOMURA.
The customer told us, “Every time I see these scrolls, my teacher’s voice echoes in my heart.” That phrase has stayed with us ever since.
If you have a scroll suffering from stains or damage accumulated over time, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our skilled artisans will handle your piece with utmost care and help bring your memories and emotions back to life.
We are here to support your journey in passing on the spirit and beauty of kakejiku to the next generation.
