BLEACH / The Millennium - the scroll mounting option

Size: 1,100 mm (scroll width) x 1,476 mm (length), 30 mm (scroll diameter)
Futoshin/ paulownia box/ tatô box
¥550,000

The process of mounting calligraphy and paintings on hanging scrolls is called hyogu or hyoso.

In traditional Japanese architecture, alcoves (tokonoma) can be found in Japanese-style rooms. In these alcoves, paintings and calligraphy mounted onto hanging scrolls are hung according to the season and the guests to be received. In an age without TV or smartphones, hanging scrolls, which can be rolled up for compact storage and unraveled to reveal the work, were the most accessible form of visual entertainment.

Just as a painting's appearance changes dramatically depending on the frame, the appearance of the calligraphy or artwork changes depending on how it is mounted. It is the craftsmanship of the hyogushi (somewhat akin to a traditional picture framer) that highlights the power and charm of the work.

For this project, we asked Hidenori Murayama of Tachiiri Kowado in Kyoto to create the mounting. He has been involved in mounting a variety of works, including contemporary art and photography.

Gray cloth was used. Red lines running along the center connect the fabric on the left and right sides, adding a sense of tension to the overall work. The tips of the shaft are black. These specifications were completed based on Mr. Murayama's proposal and supervised by Tite Kubo.

For the mounting process, the Mino washi paper is peeled on both sides and lined on the reverse side. This process is only possible because washi paper is made up of multiple layers of paper fibers.
(* In this process, the reverse side of the washi paper is peeled off and the MA watermark is no longer visible. Thank you for your understanding.)

To prevent the work from being wound too tightly and possibly damaging it, an attachment called a futoshin (thick core) is used to hold the shaft before winding it for storage. The box the artwork is housed in is a traditional wood box made from paulownia. The paulownia wood breathes and can stabilize the humidity of the interior, and also act as an insect repellent repellant. This paulownia box fits into yet another container—a paper tatô box which adds a further layer of protection for the paulownia box and the artwork.

Please refer to the explanation on how to best hang, store and handle hanging scrolls.

• Storing the work in either extremely humid or dry conditions may cause overall rippling, mold, or other risks that may deform or damage the work. The ideal humidity for storage is about 50-60%. Please be particularly careful when storing or exhibiting the work overseas.
• Please exercise caution when handling the hanging scroll. Do not touch the surface of the artwork, and refrain from applying friction to the surface as much as possible when rolling it up. Do not roll it too tightly or drop the artwork. The surface of the art is not protected by glass or acrylic and is prone to staining and other types of damage.