Formats & mounting
Some paintings are read across a room; others unfold slowly in the hands. This illustrated guide introduces eight ways to consider shape, mounting and arrangement.
One work or a coordinated set.
A frame, a hanging scroll, a handscroll or an album.
A square, a fan-shaped leaf or a paper-cutting format.
These descriptions can overlap: a square painting may be flat-mounted and framed. “Scroll” (卷轴) alone is not specific enough for an order—please distinguish a hanging scroll (立轴) from a handscroll (手卷).
The diagrams explain structure and proportion. They show no products or confirmed commissions. Except for the labelled paper-cutting example, they do not specify sizes.
Four paintings conceived or arranged as a group. They can share a subject, a seasonal sequence or a visual rhythm while keeping their own compositions. The term describes the set; mounting and framing are agreed separately. It does not automatically mean a hinged folding screen.
Our suggestion
Allow a generous wall and plan the gaps as part of one composition.
A long horizontal painting traditionally explored from right to left, opening one section while rolling the viewed part back. The experience develops gradually, at close range, on a supported flat surface. This is different from a horizontal painting intended to remain on a wall.
Our suggestion
Choose a handscroll for quiet viewing at a table; discuss support and handling before opening.
A painting supported by a flat mounting, without the rods of a hanging scroll. It may be horizontal or vertical and can be placed in a frame. The term describes the mounted painting, so the frame, glazing and finished dimensions should be specified separately.
Our suggestion
A useful starting point when you want the frame and borders chosen around your room.
A vertical painting supported by a mounting, with a suspension above and a weighted roller below. The mounting gives the work its complete presence and allows it to be rolled for storage. Traditionally, scrolls were displayed for selected occasions and rested between viewings.
Our suggestion
Allow for the full mounted height, not just the painted image; discuss where and how long it will be displayed.
A square or approximately square composition. Doufang describes the shape of a painting or calligraphy work, not a particular mounting or one universal measurement. It may be framed or given another suitable presentation. Check the image size and the finished outer size.
Our suggestion
Consider one square as a compact focal point, or discuss a balanced grouping of several works.
Sancai refers to a sheet cut from a larger paper size, not a set of three paintings. A common four-chi example is approximately 46 × 69 cm. The starting sheet and working practice can vary, so the actual dimensions of the individual work matter more than the name.
Our suggestion
Use the listed measurements to plan your display; mounting and framing add to the final size.
An album brings small paintings or calligraphy together as a series of leaves. Each can stand alone, while the sequence may share a subject or another connection. Some historical albums were assembled by collectors from works originally made separately.
Our suggestion
Choose an album for close looking, collecting or following a subject through a sequence.
A composition made for the curved or rounded surface of a fan. It may remain part of a complete fan, or be preserved separately as a painted leaf. Historical examples were also mounted in albums or as hanging scrolls. The presentation should always be stated.
Our suggestion
Discuss whether you want a complete fan, a separate leaf or a mounted artwork for display.
Confirm three measurements: the painted image, the full mounting, and the frame or complete display footprint. For a set, include the gaps between pieces. Format enquiries are starting points; materials, feasibility, price and timing are agreed individually.
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