Japanese Chigiri-e Shikishi Art from 2012. This delightful shikishi board features a charming white mouse (rat) created in the traditional Japanese chigiri-e (ちぎり絵) technique, where textured washi paper is torn and layered to form soft, expressive images. This piece was made to celebrate the Year of the Rat (子年 - Ne-doshi), corresponding to Heisei 24 (2012) in the Japanese zodiac cycle, as indicated on the included decorative folder.
The main character is a joyful white mouse carrying a stick with colorful offerings—possibly symbolic fruits or lucky items—symbolizing prosperity, cleverness, and new beginnings, as associated with the Rat in the zodiac.
The green background is in the shape of a hyōtan (瓢箪) or gourd—a traditional Japanese symbol of protection, fertility, and good luck. This shape adds both charm and symbolic meaning to the composition. The warm gold-tone backdrop with shimmering accents enhances the celebratory feel, making the piece perfect for auspicious display, especially during New Year or zodiac-themed celebrations.
Each element—from the soft mouse fur to the fruits and foliage—is crafted with hand-torn washi paper, adding dimension, softness, and an artisanal touch.
