Japanese Kakejiku – good luck item

“Japanese Kakejiku (Kakemono)“ -good luck item

“Japanese Kakejiku (Kakemono)” is a hanging scroll used to display and exhibit paintings and calligraphy art.

Traditional Japanese rooms usually have a “Tokonoma”- a special space (alcove) to display “Kakejiku”.

Most traditional houses used to have at least one Kakejiku to hang in Tokonoma.

Kakejiku has been a well-known cultural item in Japan for long time.

There are a lot of themes for Kakejiku.

Especially paintings have good luck meanings are popular.

“Sunsui ga” – Nature/ Japanese scenery of mountains, river, water fall, trees, rocks

These nature items have important meanings based on ZEN, giving us a relaxing ideal ZEN world.

“Seasonal flowers/plants” – To enjoy four seasons even inside the house, we choose seasonal flowers/plants.

“Tiger” – Tiger is believed to protect against misfortune and brings a good luck.  Tiger’s eyes with glares are toward evil.

“Dragon Ryujin” – Dragon is called “Ryujin” and is a god in Japan. It is a symbol of promotion, and Dragon Ryujin going up to the sky has the positive and good luck power.

Mt. Fuji – the highest symbolic mountain in Japan, and being registered as a world heritage.

Mt. Fuji is well known as a sacred mountain.  Especially red color Mt. Fuji in the red sunrise is believed to have the strong good luck power.

There are more themes for Kakejiku, and all have special meanings.

By hanging these good luck Kakejiku, the house and the people living there are protected against evil.