This shikishi artwork celebrates Tango no Sekku 端午の節句, the traditional Boys’ Festival held on the fifth day of the fifth month. Rendered with soft, flowing brushstrokes, the composition centers on Kashiwa mochi —depicted in gentle greens and earth tones. The circular motion of the brush suggests both protection and continuity, quietly enclosing the offerings within a harmonious space.
Tango no Sekku is a seasonal observance rooted in prayers for health, strength, and safe growth, originally for boys but today understood more broadly as a celebration of children’s well-being. The calligraphy above the image anchors the work in the festive context, while the restrained palette and ample negative space give the piece a calm, contemplative tone. Rather than exuberance, the artist chooses quiet blessing, allowing the viewer to feel the gentle rhythm of the season.
Created from the area Nitto, this shikishi reflects a temple-based sensibility, blending folk custom with spiritual refinement. It functions not only as a seasonal artwork but also as a visual prayer—an expression of care, continuity, and hope passed softly from one generation to the next.
