Restoration of an Antique Kakejiku Japanese Hanging Scroll for an American Art Dealer
At our studio, we regularly receive inquiries from overseas customers regarding the restoration and mounting of Japanese hanging scrolls (kakejiku). While many of these clients are private collectors, we have also seen a growing number of requests from galleries and antique dealers abroad.
This time, we were honored to receive a restoration request from an antique art dealer based in the United States. The subject of the scroll was a traditional jōtō-shiki—a Japanese roof-raising ceremony—depicted on an aged and delicate hanging scroll.
Contents
What is a Jōtō-shiki?
Jōtō-shiki
In traditional Japanese architecture, the jōtō-shiki (上棟式) is a ceremonial event held once the wooden framework of a building is completed. Carpenters and the owner of the building gather to celebrate this important milestone, praying for the safe and successful completion of the structure. Hanging scrolls depicting these ceremonies offer valuable insight into historical customs and regional practices of the time.
A Careful and Detailed Consultation Process
Although this was our first time working with this client, we exchanged many emails to thoroughly discuss the scroll’s condition, the direction of the restoration, and the choice of mounting fabrics. The client expressed a preference for maintaining the original color tones and overall composition of the scroll but also kindly said:
We leave the selection entirely to your sensibility and craftsmanship.
This generous trust motivated us even more to select materials that would harmonize with the artwork and bring a sense of quiet elegance to the final piece.
The image below shows the proposed fabric combination we presented to the client.
The Restoration Process
The scroll had suffered from severe creasing and was at risk of paint flaking due to its age. In particular, the white pigment used on architectural elements was extremely fragile and prone to peeling during handling. We therefore proceeded with the utmost care, stabilizing the surface before beginning the remounting process.
Restoration Completed
After a long and careful restoration, the scroll was revived with new life. While preserving the character of the original mounting, we created a refined, modern presentation.
The deep creases were successfully repaired, and the fragile white pigments—especially the gofun (shell white)—were stabilized and retained. We also adjusted the fabric proportions to better suit the dimensions of the artwork, enhancing its overall visual balance.
The client kindly shared the following feedback:
The restoration looks great. The owner is very pleased with the result.
It was especially gratifying to hear that they were satisfied, and that we were able to deliver the piece earlier than expected.
In Closing
There are galleries around the world that specialize in Japanese antique art. As a Japanese hyōgushi (mounting artisan), I feel genuinely encouraged by the interest and respect these professionals show for traditional Japanese artworks.
Cultural traditions cannot survive without demand. In modern Japan, the number of traditional washitsu (Japanese-style rooms) and tokonoma alcoves is steadily declining, leading to a sharp drop in demand for hanging scrolls. This has placed the future of kakejiku culture in a precarious position.
That is why we are deeply grateful to those abroad who still recognize the value of these works and entrust us with their preservation and restoration. It is thanks to clients like these that we are able to continue this work.
If you are a gallery or collector handling Japanese art and are considering repair or remounting, please feel free to contact us. We would be honored to help preserve and bring out the full charm of your treasured piece.
