Restoration of a Severely Damaged Shrimp Kakejiku from Australia
It has been nearly ten years since we began working in earnest with clients overseas. During this time, we have been blessed with many wonderful encounters, for which we are truly grateful.
Among our international clients, some have kindly chosen to place repeat orders with us over the years, and we are sincerely thankful for their continued trust.
In this article, we would like to introduce a restoration project of a shrimp kakejiku that was once again entrusted to us by a returning client living in Australia.
Contents
A Restoration Request from Australia
The scroll we received this time features a shrimp painted in bold, expressive sumi ink. The dynamic brushwork, particularly the long whiskers of the shrimp rising powerfully from the lower to the upper part of the composition, makes for a very striking and energetic piece.
However, due to long years of aging, the entire scroll was heavily soiled, and numerous severe creases had formed throughout the artwork. These damages significantly affected both its appearance and its long-term preservation.
Recommendation of Futomaki Storage
Such deep creases are often difficult to correct completely with standard reinforcement alone, and there is a high risk of the damage recurring. For this reason, we proposed storing the scroll in a paulownia-wood box with a futomaki to reduce stress on the artwork. Our client kindly accepted this recommendation.
Selection of Mounting Fabrics
After careful consultation with the client regarding the mounting fabrics and overall design, we proceeded with remounting using the selected combination shown in the photograph.
Details of the Restoration Process
This restoration was carried out through the following steps:
1. Dismantling the Scroll
The old mounting fabrics and roller components were carefully removed from the original scroll. Every step was performed with great care to avoid placing unnecessary stress on the artwork.2. Removal of Old Backing Paper
The deteriorated backing papers adhered to the reverse side of the artwork were patiently removed. Since the scroll was in a highly fragile condition, this process required far more time and caution than usual.3. Washing and Stain Removal
The accumulated dirt and stains caused by aging were gently removed through a controlled washing process.4. Hadauchi (the 1st Backing) and Crease Reinforcement (Orefuse)
A new lining was applied to reinforce the artwork, and areas weakened by creases were strengthened through traditional fold-reinforcement techniques.5. Remounting
Finally, the painting was remounted as a new kakejiku using the fabrics selected by the client.
Completion of the Mounting Work
As expected, removing the old backing paper proved to be one of the most challenging stages of the restoration. However, by proceeding carefully through each step, we were able to return the scroll to a condition suitable for display once again.
Storage in a Futomaki Paulownia Box
The restored scroll is now stored in a paulownia-wood box with a futomaki, as shown in the photograph. By rolling the scroll with a larger diameter, the physical stress on the artwork is greatly reduced, contributing to its long-term preservation.
At the Client’s Home
After the scroll arrived safely in Australia, the client immediately displayed it in their home. Rather than placing it in a traditional Japanese alcove (tokonoma), it is displayed on a white wall in a Western-style room. The surrounding interior elements harmonize beautifully with the scroll, creating a refined and elegant atmosphere.
International Restoration Services
We regularly handle restoration and remounting requests not only from within Japan, but from clients all over the world.
If you have a treasured artwork that you wish to display once again, or preserve for future generations, please feel free to consult us. After carefully examining the condition of your piece, we will propose the most appropriate restoration and preservation method for you.
