This sheep (hitsuji) zodiac figure is a small example of Kagura-yaki (神楽焼) associated with Motoise Kono Shrine (元伊勢籠神社), an ancient shrine revered as one of the original sites of worship for the sun goddess before the establishment of Ise Jingū. Deeply rooted in early Shinto tradition, objects from this shrine often carry a quiet sense of antiquity and sacred continuity.
The figure is rendered in a soft, rounded form with a smooth white surface, accented by simple yet vivid hand-painted details—curving purple horns, a bright eye, and subtle touches of red and green that give the piece a lively, folk-like charm. Attached to the back is a traditional straw tassel and a small paper tag bearing the shrine’s name, reinforcing its role as an engimono (auspicious charm) rather than merely a decorative object.
In the Japanese zodiac, the sheep symbolizes peace, harmony, and gentle prosperity, often associated with familial happiness and calm relationships. The modest scale and approachable design of this piece reflect the spirit of shrine offerings—humble, sincere, and imbued with prayer. As a kagura-related ceramic, it also evokes the sacred performances and rituals dedicated to the gods, linking the object to the living traditions of worship.
