Vintage Japanese Scroll Painting Tanuki Kakejiku — Paper (SKU: 0509-21)

Japanese Kakejiku Scroll Painting | Tanuki Wall Art & Tokonoma Display, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 0509-21

A charming hand-painted kakejiku depicting tanuki in human dress -- a whimsical and collectible example of Japanese scroll painting from the Meiji era.

A kakejiku is a traditional Japanese hanging scroll -- a format used for centuries to display paintings and calligraphy in the tokonoma (alcove) of a reception room, rotating seasonally to reflect mood, occasion, or time of year. This delightful example is painted in ink and mineral pigments on washi paper and depicts three tanuki, the beloved raccoon dog of Japanese folklore, engaged in a lively scene. The central tanuki sits grandly atop a striped cushion, its famously rotund belly proudly on display, while a companion in a pale blue kimono with chrysanthemum motifs looks on attentively. A third tanuki in a vivid red vest kneels in the foreground, consulting an open book -- perhaps reciting a verse or seeking counsel. Slender autumn grasses rendered in spare, confident brushstrokes complete the misty background, evoking the quiet atmosphere of a moonlit field. The composition bears a hand-written artist signature and a red seal, consistent with Meiji-period painting conventions. This is a fine piece of vintage Japanese art in the kachoga and folklore tradition, executed with genuine humor and skill.

In today's home, this kakejiku makes a striking living room accent or entryway focal point, bringing a playful wabi-sabi aesthetic to any wall. Hang it in a reading nook, home office, or Japanese-inspired dining room to add a note of warmth and storytelling to the space. Its vertical format suits narrow walls or spaces between windows beautifully, and the teal brocade mounting complements both neutral and earth-toned interiors. A wonderful unique gift for Japanophiles, collectors of Japanese antique art, or anyone who appreciates folk mythology rendered with wit and mastery.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Ink and mineral pigments on washi paper; teal brocade silk mounting; wooden roller ends
• Use: Traditional hanging scroll for tokonoma (alcove) display; seasonal or decorative interior use
• Modern Use: Living room wall art; entryway or hallway accent; home office or reading nook decor
• Features: Hand-painted scene of three tanuki in folk costume; spare autumn grass background; artist signature and red seal stamp; teal diamond-pattern brocade mounting; ivory hanging cord and turned wooden roller
• Dimensions: 15 1/2"W x 78 1/2"H
• Condition: Good -- light age spots and minor foxing to washi paper consistent with age; mounting intact; colors vivid

A rare and joyful piece of Japanese antique scroll painting -- handcrafted storytelling that brings folklore, craft, and quiet humor to any modern home.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage and antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.