A hanging scroll is a painting done on paper or silk, backed with thick paper and surrounded by silk borders. At the bottom is a wooden dowel that allows the scroll to be easily rolled up and stored in a box. Scrolls are hung in niches to mimic the recessed alcove, or tokonoma, found in traditional Japanese homes.

To see a demonstration of traditional ink painting by artist Hisako Sano, who trained with monks in Japan, press the play button below.