Fortune-Ascending Koi Kakejiku Hanging Scroll

This hanging scroll presents a powerful image of the "Rising Carp of Good Fortune.” The spirited image of a carp battling upstream is a well-known emblem of luck and perseverance in Japanese culture, symbolizing the strength to overcome adversity and achieve success.

According to a famous Chinese legend, a carp that succeeds in climbing a waterfall is transformed into a mighty dragon. As such, it represents advancement in life, business prosperity, and increased wealth. It conveys the spirit of rising above obstacles and striving toward greatness.

The scroll portrays two vibrant carp leaping through a cascading waterfall, full of strength and momentum. Their vigorous leaps and the surrounding spray of water evoke a sense of vitality and unwavering determination, instilling motivation and a sense of hope in the viewer.

The artist, Nishijima Kazufumi, born in 1969 in Gifu Prefecture, began studying Japanese painting early and made his professional debut in 1988. Known for his delicate flower-and-bird compositions and expressive portraits, his work has been featured in the prestigious Bijutsu Nenkan (Art Annual). In recent years, he has broadened his creative scope through collaborations with Tezuka Productions on the “Sumie Kakejiku” series (2019), the “Chimera” and “Godzilla” scroll collections, and with Tsuburaya Productions (2021) and Toho Co., Ltd. (2022), blending traditional technique with modern themes.

Kaitakudo Art

Founded in Gifu, a region renowned for its rich Mino washi heritage, Kaitakudo Art has been crafting kakejiku, Japanese hanging scrolls, for over fifty years. Their work is supported by skilled artisans, including nationally certified first-grade specialists in traditional art mounting who uphold time-honored techniques. From planning and mounting to retail, they oversee the entire process in-house, ensuring consistent quality at every step. 

While preserving tradition, they continue to explore new possibilities for kakejiku—developing styles that suit modern interiors and sharing the beauty of Japanese art with the world.

Kakejiku Hanging Scrolls

Authentic Japanese hanging scrolls, known as kakejiku or kakemono, are a cherished part of Japan’s cultural heritage. More than simple decoration, they reflect personal sentiments and mark the changing seasons.

Traditionally displayed in a tokonoma alcove, these scrolls also suit modern spaces with their lightweight, rollable form—making them easy to store and switch out for different occasions. Whether adorned with delicate paintings or calligraphy, a kakejiku offers a timeless connection to Japanese artistry and brings quiet beauty to any room.