Three-dimensional measurement of hanging scrolls on display under different environmental conditions and duration

Abstract In Japan, guidelines have been issued limiting the annual display period for the nationally designated paintings and calligraphies to between 4 and 8 weeks. In contrast, overseas museums often exhibit such works for several months or a year, followed by several years without display. As no clear scientific data exists to justify limiting continuous display periods for Japanese art, this report compared the dimensional changes in hanging scrolls under different conditions: continuous display for extended periods and periodic rolling and resting for a total 24-week period. Under stable temperature and humidity, significant overall differences in shape or stability of the scrolls were not observed between the two exhibition regimes. However, when displayed in an environment with fluctuating temperature and humidity, even a short period of 4 weeks of hanging caused significant alteration in shape and physical damage to the scroll. Deterioration of glue in painted areas was also examined by palpation.