Kyo-hyogu (Scroll Mounting)

Traditional scroll and screen mounting from Kyoto for calligraphy and paintings.

Kyo-hyogu, or Kyoto scroll mounting, is an exquisite national traditional craft deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Kyoto, Kansai. Originating with the introduction of Buddhism and calligraphic scrolls from China over a millennium ago, this intricate art form flourished in Kyoto due to its status as the imperial capital and a hub for religious and artistic pursuits. Kyo-hyogu is culturally significant for its vital role in preserving and presenting Japan's revered Buddhist scriptures, calligraphic masterpieces, and paintings, transforming them into displayable works of art that adorn temples, tea rooms, and traditional homes. The craft relies on a meticulous series of techniques and high-quality natural materials. Artisans employ paper layering, known as Urauchi, where multiple sheets of durable washi paper are carefully applied to the back of the artwork, providing essential reinforcement and preventing buckling. This is followed by silk bordering, Kireji, involving the selection and precise attachment of luxurious silk fabrics that harmoniously frame and complement the central piece. Finally, the entire assembly undergoes the intricate mounting process, Hyogu, using natural pastes, traditionally derived from wheat or rice starch, to bond all elements securely. What makes Kyo-hyogu truly distinctive is its unparalleled dedication to enhancing and protecting the original artwork while reflecting Kyoto's refined aesthetic. Each scroll is a bespoke creation, with materials and design carefully chosen to resonate with the artwork's theme and era. The mastery involved in creating scrolls that not only last for centuries but also subtly breathe with environmental changes showcases the profound skill and artistry passed down through generations of Kyo-hyogu craftsmen.