Plum Blossoms Under the Moon Kakejiku Hanging Scroll

This refined hanging scroll by master artist Mino Shodo vividly portrays red and white plum blossoms opening beneath a veil of quiet moonlight. With meticulous brushwork, Mino depicts blossoms at every stage, from tightly closed buds to flowers in full bloom, rendering even the finest stamens with care. The graceful composition infuses a space with an air of calm refinement and understated elegance.

The scroll is painted on finely woven silk. Thanks to silk’s natural resistance to humidity, layers of pigment can be built up gradually, creating a striking sense of clarity and depth. Accents of gold leaf and textured gold powder scattered among the blossoms evoke drifting flecks of moonlight. As the surrounding light shifts, the moon, poised among the branches, seems to glow through the hanging scroll itself, allowing the viewer to feel enveloped in its gentle radiance.

The pigments are prepared through a traditional process, blending natural mineral colors with nikawa (animal glue) to achieve hues that are soft yet profound. Each brushstroke is precisely controlled to bring out the character of the blossoms and branches: small dabs of pigment capture the delicacy of the blossoms, while broader strokes convey the strength of the limbs. Every stroke carries a sense of rhythm, as though the painting itself were breathing. This devotion to craftsmanship lends the work both dignity and luminosity, leaving a lasting impression of serene depth.

This hanging scroll integrates effortlessly into both traditional Japanese alcoves and modern minimalist interiors. As the seasons change, its tranquil and elegant presence continues to bring a subtle radiance to any room it inhabits.

Mino Shodo

Mino Shodo is a Japanese-style painter and silk scroll artist. From an early age, he was drawn to painting and went on to master the traditional techniques of silk painting through self-study. Over the years, he has devoted himself to creating kakejiku, or Japanese hanging scrolls, continually engaging with the delicate nature of silk as a medium.

Mino believes that a good painting possesses vitality. Each brushstroke, born through persistent trial and error, reflects a deep spirituality and a quiet reverence for nature.

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.