old Japanese scrolls

[opr1945]

I recently purchase several old Japanese scrolls. When I got them I discovered they were very fragile. I did not get that from the pictures on line of the scrolls. Some have rips or tears about half way across the scroll. I would like to display them but, I am afraid that the weight of the scroll would further the tear.

1. I have thought I could glue the scroll itself to some backing to reenforce the scroll and absorb the weight to prevent the tear getting worse. I don't know what kind of backing paper or cloth would work best.

2. I have also thought of attaching to some kind of backing board. Then supporting the lower dowel so that the weight of the scroll is transferred to the backing board not the paper of the scroll.

I have watched several U-tube videos on repairing scrolls and that job is way above my pay grade.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Gyakuto]

I have an old scroll I’m not too precious about. It’s Marishiten, the goddess of warriors-

You can see it’ll very wrinkled.

 

[Gyakuto]

So I decided to iron it!

I used a cool iron (‘one dot’), used a bed of paper and place a piece of paper on top over which to iron.

 

[Gyakuto]

It needed many passed over it, and when the creases were improving decided to very slightly dampen it with a spray and iron it several times again applying pressure.

The results are pretty reasonable, I think.

 

[Gyakuto]

Next, I’ll use my other half’s watercolour paints to cover those white patches.

Thanks to BBC’s Repair Shop!

 

[Gyakuto]

Before….

After…

 

[opr1945]

Nice. Interesting job. Looks great to me.

This is not mine, just a picture, but similar. Mine does not have the missing paper. Just a tea about half way across.

 

[opr1945]

Strange, we meet again, at a different place. I have one or two with wrinkles, but not to bad. I will keep your example in mind.

Thanks for the post.

 

[Gyakuto]

I wonder if someone like a bookbinder might be able to help you?

 

[opr1945]

About 25 years ago I inherited an old family bible. It was written in German (my maternal grandfathers side of the family). It was about 12" by 15" and about 2.5" thick with metal clasps on it. I t was in pretty bad condition. I was not able to find a book bindery locally who would even look at it. I did find one in Chicago, about 150+ miles away who gave me an estimate of $750.00 tor restore it. I passed on the restoration. Probably much more costly today.

I have thought of using contact cement in an aerosol can to attach the scroll to a new piece of paper. I could slowly lay the scroll onto the new backing and place the torn edges next to each other on the backing. since the contact cement is quite dry and sets quickly I don't think it would soak into the scroll paper. and once the surfaces make contact with each they seem to be attached quite solidly, at least based upon my previous experience.

The sell advertised the scroll as approximately 250 years old. I have no idea if that is true, but clearly it is worn and fragile. And it cost about $25.00 plus $20.00 for shipping from Japan for a total of $45.00. I consider that inexpensive for a piece of history, buy not worth paying a lot to get it restored. Actually, I am surprised how inexpensive these old scrolls can cost. Obviously one could spend a lot more for a more valuable scroll.

 

[opr1945]

As a novice to Japanese hanging scrolls I have noticed that some are way more valuable than others, as is the case with most old stuff. However, I have no clue as to why. I assume artist, history and topic and condition are some factors in the value.

At least in the inexpensive ones I have been looking at, and occasionally purchasing, the listings give little to no information about the content or history of the scroll. Sometime not eve the size of the scroll! Maybe that is why they are so cheap. Notwithstanding this, I find some of them very cool looking, to me at least. and worth the $30-40.00 USD I paid for them.

​

 

[opr1945]

"I have an old scroll I’m not too precious about."

Why not to precious?

 

[opr1945]

Here are some pictures of repaired scrolls for sale in Tenpakuku, State; Nagoya, Japan

 

[Gyakuto]

You should buy some very cheap scrolls and experiment before trying your ideas on a piece you value.

 

[opr1945]

Great idea.

Picture of front and back of repaired scroll for sale in Japan.

 

[Haruhiko]

Strange, we meet again, at a different place. I have one or two with wrinkles, but not to bad. I will keep your example in mind.

Thanks for the post.

Did you ever contact Koyasan? Did they get back to you? I think they work on Shingon Buddhist-time as I've yet to hear back from them myself

I've found some surprisingly cheap Fudō Myō-ō hanging scrolls on eBay, from the Tendai and Shingon Buddhist sects. Some are 300 years old; handing from Shinto, Edo, Taisho periods I think.

I'm somewhat conflicted about purchasing them as I'm unsure whether they're just being flipped by temple laypeople or legitimately being sold out of good faith.

Which reminds me of that kaimyō scroll you purchased - where is it, and what do you intend to do with? I'll happily purchase it from you for safekeeping until I go to koyasan again.

 

[Haruhiko]

Before….
View attachment 32205
After…
View attachment 32206

Beautiful! What's your source for buying these? eBay or...?

I'm looking to buy some myself - maybe three total (Kannon, Fudō Myō-ō, and calligraphy of the ham bonji or Wisdom sutra).

@opr1945 avoid glue, as it can be unpredictable when it comes to paper. Some glue just eats right through certain materials.

 

[Gyakuto]

Beautiful! What's your source for buying these? eBay or...?

I'm looking to buy some myself - maybe three total (Kannon, Fudō Myō-ō, and calligraphy of the ham bonji or Wisdom sutra).

@opr1945 avoid glue, as it can be unpredictable when it comes to paper. Some glue just eats right through certain materials.

I just bought from jptrade2014 via ebay. They have some great stuff!

Pardon our interruption...

 

[Haruhiko]

I just bought from jptrade2014 via ebay. They have some great stuff!

Pardon our interruption...

I'll check it out!
Hopefully won't come across any more kaimyō

 

[opr1945]

"Which reminds me of that kaimyō scroll you purchased - where is it, and what do you intend to do with? I'll happily purchase it from you for safekeeping until I go to koyasan again."

I sent them a couple emails at the address you gave me. Around two weeks ago. They never came back. And I never heard from them. I have not decided on what to do to it. If they really wanted it back because it had special value to them I would be inclined to return it. I kind of become attached to it.