This shikishi art card features a delightful ink wash painting of a tanuki (raccoon dog) intently fishing, his expression comically melancholic, while a vividly colored red sea bream (tai) swims mockingly close.
The tanuki fishing for a tai can be interpreted as a light-hearted portrayal of someone seeking luck or happiness, an endearing pursuit of something precious and symbolic of joy. It reflects the human spirit of perseverance, the irony of fate, or simply the whimsical gap between effort and reward.
In Japanese culture, the combination of a tanuki (Japanese raccoon dog) and a tai (sea bream) carries rich layers of symbolism, blending humor, folklore, and auspicious meaning. The tanuki is a playful and mischievous creature in Japanese folklore, often portrayed as a shapeshifter and trickster. Despite its antics, the tanuki is ultimately a bringer of good luck and happiness. It’s a common figure in traditional art and ceramics, known for its joyful appearance and associations with prosperity, courage, and whimsical charm.
The tai fish, or sea bream, is one of Japan’s most iconic symbols of celebration and good fortune. Its name is associated with the word medetai (めでたい), which means “auspicious” or “joyous.”
It also evokes deeper themes of desire, patience, and the unpredictable nature of fortune. The inscription evokes a nostalgic moment of parting and distance, reflecting on time, nature, and the quiet melancholy of waiting.
Size: 24 x 27cm
#SHP97 #ShikishiKYO
