This charming Sheep / Ram (未 / Hitsuji) zodiac ornament was crafted by Shōhō (昭峰) for Yakushigama (薬師窯), one of Japan’s most beloved ceramic workshops, known for its auspicious zodiac figures and folk-inspired designs. Made in Seto, Aichi Prefecture, one of Japan’s historic pottery centres, Yakushigama continues a ceramic tradition that stretches back more than a thousand years.
The figure depicts a gentle white sheep with curled golden horns, a softly textured fleece, and a bright red collar fitted with a small gold bell. Its rounded form and calm expression give it a warm, friendly character, while the restrained use of red and gold adds a festive New Year feeling.
In the Japanese zodiac, the Sheep (未) is associated with gentleness, harmony, kindness, family bonds, and peaceful relationships. Sheep are often understood as social animals that remain close to the flock, making them a fitting symbol of cooperation and domestic harmony.
This example is presented as a complete decorative set, with a black display base, a gold folding screen, and a small wooden plaque inscribed 招福干支 — “auspicious zodiac.” The accompanying paper also identifies it as an 招福干支置物, an ornament intended to invite good fortune in the New Year.
The screen behind the figure is decorated with calligraphic zodiac characters and auspicious imagery, reinforcing the traditional seasonal character of the display. Together, these elements create the kind of compact New Year arrangement often displayed in Japanese homes to welcome the coming year with hopes for happiness and prosperity.
Size: 13 x 6 x 10cm (Sheep)
14 x 10cm (Base)
16 x 13cm (Backdrop)
