Japanese scroll paintings, also called kakemono (literally meaning "hanging thing"), are traditional works of art painted on paper or silk and then attached to a roll-up cloth. This art form is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and has been used for centuries to convey beauty, spirituality, and storytelling.

Originally from China, kakemono became popular in Japan during the Heian period (794-1185) and took on an important role in Buddhist temples, where they were used to depict religious scenes and calligraphic scriptures. They later evolved into an art form that served both spiritual and decorative purposes.

The subjects of kakemono vary widely and include nature scenes, Zen calligraphy, historical scenes, poetic inscriptions and mythological figures. Each painting carries a deeper symbolism and reflects the artistic and philosophical values of Japanese culture.