This shikishi presents a charming and gently humorous depiction of a chicken clay bell (鷄の土鈴), painted with a refined folk-art sensibility and signed by the artist 富子 (Tomiko). Set against a softly shimmering gold ground shaped like an open fan, the composition immediately evokes a sense of celebration and auspiciousness, a visual language long associated with traditional Japanese decorative arts.
At the center sits the chicken bell itself, rendered in a rounded, simplified form that recalls actual dorei sold at shrines and temple fairs. The bird’s white body is accented with vivid yet harmonious colors: a red comb and beak, deep brown tail feathers, and a striking blue wing motif that adds a playful rhythm to the otherwise restrained palette. A green ribbon or cord tied atop the head subtly references the functional aspect of the bell, while also lending the figure a festive, almost ceremonial character.
The gold fan-shaped background, framed by the pale blue field of the shikishi, enhances the sense that this is not merely a still-life but an image meant for display during auspicious occasions. Gold grounds are traditionally associated with prosperity, light, and sacred space, while the fan motif suggests expansion and good fortune, as fans open outward from a single point.
This shikishi beautifully bridges fine painting and folk tradition. It celebrates the humble dorei as a bearer of everyday blessings—protection, good luck, and joyful sound—while the chicken motif further underscores themes of vigilance, honesty, and the dawning of new beginnings in Japanese culture.
Size: 24 x 27cm
