Shikishi - Gallery - Japanese scroll paintings!

Shikishi in History: Basis for Poetry

Poetry and art have been linked for a very long time in Japanese history. Poems are written on many old Japanese works of art, while many poems are also illustrated. Japanese paper, Washi, is a common medium and is often hung on scroll paintings called Kakemono. Another common form of presentation for illustrated poetry was and is the Shikishi. These are reinforced with cardboard and can therefore also be presented on a stand or in a frame. This makes them more handy and often a little cheaper to buy.

However, the Shikishi quickly became more than just a medium for poetry and its illustrations. Unlabeled works of art with all kinds of motifs were also painted on the Shikishi. The diverse and beautiful motifs in our range are exclusively original, unique pieces from Japan. We communicate directly with art dealers in the country and source our works from there.

Accessories for our Shikishi

In addition to the Shikishi themselves, we also offer various accessories for the appropriate presentation of your new work of art. In addition to the picture itself, you can also buy suitable stands for Shikishi and Tanzaku, the narrow cards for Japanese calligraphy and poetry. We also offer suitable protective covers and frames for your pictures, as well as Kage picture scrolls, with which you can hang the work of art on the wall like a Kakemono.

That's not enough Japan? Take a look at the other categories in our online shop! In addition to our works of art, we also offer other treasures from Japan, such as kimonos, Japanese ceramics, noren or haori.

Shikishi with character: Original pictures that have their own story

These items are used and therefore have signs of wear and tear due to their age, which give them their special character. Due to the photographs or scans, there may be slight color deviations from the original. Please only decide on these items if you have formed an idea of the condition based on the photos and descriptions!

Information about the images is without guarantee! We reproduce the descriptions given to us by our Japanese business partners.

Of course, we try to verify and present the information on quality, condition, material, age and information about the artist as best as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Shikishi?

Shikishi are Japanese works of art painted on cardboard and given as gifts on special occasions. The motifs of these works of art are diverse and range from landscapes, animals and nature scenes to motifs from Noh theater, traditional calligraphy and autographs by Japanese artists.

How can I hang Shikishi at home?

We offer suitable frames and protective covers for the Shikishi in our online shop. With the help of a Kake picture scroll, you can hang your work of art on the wall like a Kakemono. If you would rather stand your Shikishi upright, we offer you a suitable stand for the picture.

What are Oshie as a special form of Shikishi?

Oshie is a form of shikishi, in which different materials are brought together in a kind of collage to create a three-dimensional work of art. Paper, fabrics, strings and the like are often used. Oshie has been practiced as a form of handcraft since the Edo period.