Scroll Display Class Number 5

We have completed the scroll through to stage 2c...
We made the Mimiori (hems), Jikubukuro, Hassoubukuro, and harite....
The last layer of paper on the scroll was applied and the work put on the drying board.

Scroll Made for Scroll Making Class Demonstration

This scroll was written by the student, Regina Oberndorfer, who runs a Buddhist Zazen Center in Frankfurt, Germany. It is a Buddhist phrase which reads JO RAKU GA JO, from the Enmei Jukku Kannon. The meanings of the Kanji are eternal, joyful, intimate and pure.

If you would like to learn how to make your own wallscroll or Kakejiku in a traditional handmade style, please contact to me at info@customjapanesecalligraphy.com.


My teaching style is to first demonstrate and then let the student perform the action. So this scroll is the one used to first demonstrate the step to the student. At first the student requested to make a Sandan Hyougu scroll, but I did not recommend this because there are extra steps required to finish the scroll. The Maru Hyougu scroll provides the basic steps to know how to begin to construct a scroll.

When designing this scroll we had to look at the color in the writing and find cloths that would complement the color. The silk that was selected is an olive green with a small karakusa pattern in it to be the chuumawashi. The bronze/copper color was chosen for the Ten & Chi. I truly believe that the selection of the jikusaki and kakehimo is critical to provide harmonious design in the scroll. The sparkly wood jikusaki called Nashi gives that extra match to the colors of the writing. The closeup also shows the floral arrangement. The flowers were purchased locally and the pecan branch was cut from my backyard.

Scroll dimensions as follows for bun
Ten:                         114
Ue Chuumawashi:      44
Ue Ichimonji:               5
Shihon Habasa:          73
Shihon Nagasa:        240
Hashira:                     18
Shita Ichimonji:            2.5
Shita Chuumawashi:   20
Chi:                           69
Kakejiku Habasa:    109
Kakejiku Nagasa:    489.5
 
 

Scroll Making Lecture/Demonstration

 On Friday Evening, December 31, 2010, I conducted a lecture and demonstration for a local Anime fan club. It was a good time and everyone said they learned something new and exciting. I am very happy to share my knowledge and experiences with those who have interest to learn.

The lecture consisted of very basic information about the history of scrolls in Japan, divergence and design, the various aspects of glue, paper and cloths used. The crowd also got to see different Jikusaki, Fuchin and Kakehimo.

In the first two pictures I am explaining the meaning of the Kanji on some different orders. Immediately below is working and explaining the various viscous glues, and the types of paper used to make the scrolls.

 

Next is the measuring and cutting of the Uruachi to be applied to the artwork.

 

Application of the glue can be very stressful, so as to get the right amount without causing wrinkles in the paper and other problems.

The Kinran and finished work and Ichimonji on the drying board completed the demonstration. In all I felt this was the most appropriate way to end the old year and start the new. In this year I am desirous to teach more classes on Kakejiku making. Some of you may be interested in purchasing my book How to Make Handmade Wallscrolls. For more details go to my webstore at http://www.wallscroll.blogspot.com/ or contact to sales@customjapanesecalligraphy.com