Scrolls: Art, Culture, and History Unrolled
A scroll is a rolled document or artwork made of materials such as paper, silk, or parchment. Traditionally, scrolls were used as a medium for recording texts, paintings, and religious scriptures before the widespread adoption of bound books. In East Asia, scrolls became an essential form of artistic and literary expression, allowing for an unrolling experience that revealed content gradually, enhancing storytelling and visual appreciation.
Carp Ink Painting by Wu Qingxia (墨色鯉魚圖 by 吴青霞) Shop Link
Types of East Asian Scrolls
East Asian scrolls can be categorized based on their material, purpose, and artistic significance. Some of the most prominent types include:
1. Handscrolls (手卷, Shoujuan in Chinese, Makimono in Japanese)
A horizontal format used for paintings and calligraphy, often depicting continuous narratives that viewers unroll from right to left.
2. Hanging Scrolls (立轴, Lizhou in Chinese, Kakemono in Japanese)
A vertical format used for displaying paintings and calligraphy, often mounted on silk with wooden rollers.
3. Emakimono (絵巻物, Picture Scrolls)
A Japanese illustrated narrative scroll that combines text and imagery to depict historical and fictional stories.
4. Sutra Scrolls
Religious scrolls used in Buddhism to transcribe sacred texts such as the Lotus Sutra, often written in gold ink on dark blue paper.
A Brief History of East Asian Scrolls
Scrolls in East Asia date back over 2,000 years, with origins in Chinese silk and paper scrolls from the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). The Tang Dynasty (618–907) saw the refinement of scroll painting and calligraphy, setting aesthetic standards that influenced Japan and Korea.
Japan adopted the scroll format during the Heian period (794–1185), giving rise to emakimono, a unique storytelling medium combining text and illustrations. The Kamakura period (1185–1333) saw further innovation in battle scene depictions and Buddhist narrative scrolls.
Mountain Dwelling Scroll by Qian Xuan (山居圖卷 by 錢選) shop link
Artistic Impact of East Asian Scrolls
Scrolls have had a lasting impact on East Asian art, influencing later painting styles and book formats. Some of the most famous East Asian scroll paintings include:
“Along the River During the Qingming Festival” (张择端, 1085–1145) – A masterpiece of Chinese painting capturing daily life during the Song Dynasty.
The “Genji Monogatari Emaki” (12th century) – One of Japan’s oldest surviving illustrated scrolls, depicting scenes from The Tale of Genji.
Sesshū Tōyō’s Hanging Scrolls (15th century) – Masterpieces of Japanese ink painting influenced by Chinese brushwork techniques.
Along the River During the Qingming Festival by Zhang Zeduan (清明上河图 by 張擇端)
“Along the River During the Qingming Festival stands out from earlier Chinese paintings by shifting focus from landscapes and courtly scenes to realistic depictions of urban life. As a Song Dynasty masterpiece, it captures the vibrancy of Bianjing (Kaifeng), detailing its economy, architecture, and diverse social classes. Unlike traditional scrolls emphasizing nature or elite figures, it portrays everyday people, making it a rare historical document. Its impact spans centuries, inspiring later Ming and Qing versions, digital recreations, and exhibitions, cementing its status as a cultural and artistic icon of China.”
Cultural Legacy of East Asian Scrolls
Scrolls remain significant in East Asian art and culture:
In China and Japan, traditional scroll painting and calligraphy remain highly respected and practiced art forms.
In Zen Buddhism, hanging scrolls with calligraphic inscriptions serve as meditation aids in temples.
In contemporary art, East Asian scroll aesthetics inspire modern ink painting, digital scroll-like storytelling, and even virtual exhibitions.
Haboku-Sansui Complete Scroll by Sesshū Tōyō
Evolution and Modern Adaptations
China: The tradition of literati painting on scrolls continues in contemporary Chinese art.
Japan: Emakimono techniques influence manga and anime storytelling.
Korea: Traditional scroll painting persists, often depicting landscapes and Buddhist themes.
Digital Age: Scroll-inspired interfaces and digital art formats pay homage to the ancient medium.
The East Asian scroll, once a necessity for recording and illustrating stories, remains a testament to artistic mastery and cultural heritage. Whether preserved in museums or adapted in digital formats, East Asian scrolls continue to inspire artists and scholars. As technology evolves, the essence of scrolls endures, proving that this ancient medium still has stories left to tell.
