Aka-Fuji Kakejiku Hanging Scroll

Known as Aka-Fuji, the rare sight of Mount Fuji glowing crimson in the morning sun has long been celebrated as a symbol of good fortune. This work captures that majestic image, enveloping the scene in the luminous brilliance of gold leaf.

Executed in a kenpon (silk) mounting, the piece employs ultra-thin sheets of genuine Kanazawa gold leaf, whose metallic surface shimmers with subtle, ever-changing reflections. By incorporating shikisai-haku (colored gold leaf), the artist achieves delicate tonal shifts and graceful gradations that heighten the work’s radiance. Developed through countless refinements, this method imparts to the piece the distinctive expressive power of Kidoguchi’s artistry.

The ridgelines of Mount Fuji are rendered with sculptural precision, conveying both depth and vitality. This dimensional effect is heightened by the hand-applied technique of raised gold leaf, where textured surfaces are layered with aluminum leaf. As light falls across them, subtle shadows and a distinctive brilliance come to life. The addition of ibushi-shinchu-haku (smoked brass leaf) introduces a mellow patina, emphasizing the metal’s natural texture and lending the composition a profound sense of atmosphere.

At the mountain’s base, a golden sea of clouds drifts and gathers, created through the honkin-chirashi technique, where scattered flecks of pure gold leaf evoke the first light of dawn and the mountain’s timeless sanctity. The effect conveys not only the brilliance of morning but also a sense of dignity and refinement that permeates the entire work.

Graceful yet resplendent, this hanging scroll transcends time, imbuing its surroundings with enduring elegance and the quiet dignity of Japanese artistry.

Kidoguchi Yoshio

As a master craftsman of extraordinary creativity, Kidoguchi Yoshio breathes life into gossamer-thin gold leaf through his skilled hands. Beyond the captivating golden radiance lies the luminous beauty of Japanese art infused with his passion and devotion. In his creations, Kanazawa gold leaf transcends decorative material to become a medium for conveying emotion and thought. With unwavering focus and infinite patience, he captures light and shadow, stillness and movement between layers of gold leaf, crafting an artistic realm that is both elegantly refined and vibrantly alive. His works often appear on kakejiku (or kakemono) hanging scrolls, carrying forward the tradition of Japanese wall art while reimagining it for the present day.

Kakejiku Hanging Scrolls

Japanese hanging scrolls, known as kakejiku or kakemono, are a traditional form of Japanese wall art that has been cherished for over a thousand years. Featuring Japanese calligraphy, seasonal motifs, or paintings, each scroll is crafted with refined techniques that reflect the beauty of nature and culture.

Versatile and timeless, they can be displayed in homes, tea rooms, or modern interiors, and are often referred to as picture scrolls or Japanese scrolls. Their lightweight form makes them easy to roll, store, and rotate with the season or occasion. As an enduring expression of Japanese wall art, hanging scrolls bring harmony to any space.