Kingfisher Kakejiku Hanging Scroll

This hanging scroll depicts a kingfisher and is traditionally associated with summer. In Japan, seasonal motifs have long been cherished and expressed through paintings and crafts. The kingfisher, known in Japanese as hisui (jade) due to its vivid blue-green feathers, is a familiar symbol of summer.

In this piece, a solitary kingfisher perches on a branch extending over a river, intently gazing at the water’s surface—perhaps watching for its next catch. The background features a tranquil river, misty distant mountains, and delicate riverbank grasses painted with soft brushstrokes, evoking a sense of calm and refreshing stillness.

Admired for their keen eyesight and hunting precision, kingfishers are often seen as symbols of focus and achievement. Though inspired by summer, its elegant composition and positive symbolism make it ideal for year-round display.

Sato Bizan, born in 1955 and based in Gifu Prefecture, is a member of the Nippon Suibokuga Art Association and is listed in the Bijutsu Nenkan (Art Annual).
He paints across a wide range of subjects—including koi fish, animals, and human figures—while maintaining an independent artistic style. He has participated in numerous group exhibitions and is recognized for his precise brushwork and ability to capture fleeting moments of life.

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.