About a Hiroko Nakamura

The Story of Hyōsō 

　(Japanese traditional Mounting and Framing)

As traditional Japanese architecture becomes less common, we rarely see fusuma (sliding doors), shoji (paper screens), or byobu (folding screens) outside of temples. Hyōsō, or traditional Japanese mounting and framing, can be thought of as an old form of interior design. One of its elements is hyōgu—the art of hanging scrolls (kakejiku).

You might think that hanging scrolls are only for tea rooms or for those who practice calligraphy. 

But that’s not the case! 

There are now many new possibilities.

My journey into hyōgu began with a kimono from my mother’s childhood. She had cherished it so much that, even though only scraps remained, she had kept them carefully. I wanted to preserve it—not as something to wear, but as something to admire.

As I delved into hyōgu, I discovered the profound depth of its techniques, the beauty of its tools and materials, and the artistry within them. The most exciting part for me is designing a piece—deciding how to interpret and express the essence of the original work.

For the past 20 years, I have been learning at a slow pace, always wondering when I will finally create something truly exceptional. 

Moving forward, I hope to continue exploring new possibilities and crafting works that resonate with the modern world.