handscroll

(noun)

A traditional Asian roll of papyrus, parchment, or paper which has been written, drawn or painted upon, which unfolds horizontally so that the reader can view one section at a time while holding it in the hands.

Related Terms

Examples of handscroll in the following topics:

  • Painting and Calligraphy in the Heian Period

    • In the last century of the Heian period, the horizontal, illustrated narrative handscroll, known as emaki, came to the fore.
    • Dating from about 1130, the Genji Monogatari Emaki, a famous illustrated Tale of Genji, represents the earliest surviving yamato-e handscroll, and is considered one of the high points of Japanese painting.
    • Onna-e, epitomized by the Tale of Genji handscroll, typically deals with court life, particularly the court ladies, and with romantic themes.
    • The Siege of the Sanjō Palace (1160), depicted in the "Night Attack on the Sanjō Palace" section of the Heiji Monogatari handscroll, is a famous example of this style.

  • Modern Chinese Painting

    • The finished work can be mounted on scrolls, such as hanging scrolls or handscrolls.

  • Art of the Middle Kingdom

    • The finished work can be mounted on hanging scrolls or handscrolls; traditional painting can also be done on album sheets, walls, lacquerware, folding screens, and other media.

  • Japanese Painting and Sculpture in the Kamakura Period

    • In addition, the emaki format of painting, consisting of long illustrated handscrolls, continued in popularity.