A vintage shikishi art card features a traditional Japanese hariko (張子) tiger, known as Hariko no Tora (張子の虎), painted in a charming folk art style. The tiger is depicted with bold, expressive features—wide blue eyes, red ears and collar, and lively black stripes across a bright yellow body. Its playful and slightly exaggerated expression captures the spirit of classic papier-mâché crafts that have been cherished in Japan for centuries.
The tiger stands beneath an elegantly painted stalk of bamboo, a symbol of strength, resilience, and upright character in Japanese culture. The pairing of bamboo with the hariko tiger emphasizes protection, vitality, and good fortune, especially fitting for New Year celebrations or auspicious occasions. Hariko tigers are especially associated with Aizu (会津) in Fukushima Prefecture, where they are crafted as talismans for children's health and courage. They are also connected to the Year of the Tiger in the zodiac, serving as a popular motif during that time.
