A handscroll is the Chinese painting format viewed gradually from right to left.
A handscroll is made for intimate, sequential viewing. The viewer unrolls only a section at a time, holding the opened portion while rolling up the part already seen. This creates a time-based experience in which landscapes, narratives, inscriptions, and changing scenes unfold progressively.
Handscrolls are usually horizontal and can be several meters long. They are not normally displayed fully extended on a wall. The format was used for landscape paintings, illustrated stories, historical narratives, and literary gatherings.
A hanging scroll differs because it is designed to hang vertically or horizontally for viewing as a whole. Album leaves are separate pages, while fan paintings are shaped to fit folding or round fans.