Hanging scrolls are generally intended to be displayed for short periods of time, after which they are rolled up and tied for storage.

[5] Scrolls originated in their earliest form from texts written on bamboo strips and silk banners across ancient China.

[5] Such silk banners and hanging scroll paintings were found at Mawangdui dating back to the Han dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE).

[7][8] The aesthetic and structural objectives for hanging scrolls were summarized by the time of the Tang dynasty (618–907) and are still followed in the present day.

[6][7] Originally introduced to Japan from China as a means of spreading Buddhism, hanging scrolls found a place in Japanese culture and art and plays an important role in interior decoration.

[5] Careful attention was and still is paid to ensure the quality and variety of the silk and paper to protect and properly fit the artwork onto the mounting, as it gives form to the art.

The whole process can take two weeks to nine months depending on how long the scroll is left on the wall to dry and stretch before finishing by polishing the back with Chinese wax and fitting the rod and roller at either end.

In the late 20th century a new method was created called 'dry mounting' which involves the use of heat activated silicone sheets in lieu of paste which reduced the amount of time from a few weeks to just a few hours.