makimono
RareSpecialist / Artistic
Definition
Meaning
A traditional Japanese handscroll.
A painted or calligraphic narrative or artwork designed to be unrolled horizontally for viewing, as opposed to a hanging scroll (kakemono).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Specifically refers to the format, not the content. The term is primarily used in discussions of Japanese art history, museum curation, and by collectors.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning; usage is identical and confined to specialist contexts.
Connotations
Evokes connoisseurship, traditional Japanese art, and meticulous craftsmanship in both regions.
Frequency
Equally rare in both UK and US English, appearing almost exclusively in academic, museum, or auction house contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [adjective] makimono depicts [subject].The curator unrolled the makimono on [surface].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common English usage.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used only in the art auction and insurance industries (e.g., 'The makimono fetched a record price at Sotheby's.').
Academic
Standard term in art history, East Asian studies, and museology publications.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Precise descriptor in conservation, art handling, and cataloguing (e.g., 'The makimono requires specific humidity-controlled storage.').
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The museum has a Japanese makimono in its collection.
- Unlike a hanging scroll, a makimono is viewed section by section as you unroll it.
- The 13th-century makimono, depicting the Tale of Genji, is considered a national treasure for its exquisite detail and historical significance.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MAKImono: Imagine making (maki) a MONO (thing) by rolling it up - a rolled-up thing = a handscroll.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/STORY IS A JOURNEY (one travels through the narrative by unrolling the scroll).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'свиток' (svitok), which is a more generic term for any scroll. 'Makimono' is a specific cultural artefact.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a generic term for any Japanese artwork.
- Confusing it with 'origami' or other paper crafts.
- Misspelling as 'mackimono' or 'makimono'.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'makimono'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare, specialist term used primarily in art history and related fields.
A makimono is a horizontal handscroll, unrolled for viewing. A kakemono is a vertical hanging scroll, displayed on a wall.
Typically, it refers to historical or traditional artefacts. A modern artwork in that format might simply be called a 'scroll' or 'handscroll'.
In British English: /ˌmækɪˈməʊnəʊ/. In American English: /ˌmɑːkɪˈmoʊnoʊ/. The stress is on the third syllable.