This shikishi card from the renowned Ōtsuka Kōgeisha (大塚巧藝社) features a delicate rendering of a white rabbit nestled among autumn grasses, a scene that captures the serene beauty and poetic spirit of traditional Japanese aesthetics.
The white rabbit, drawn with soft brushstrokes and gentle color washes, sits peacefully with its eyes closed, symbolizing purity, innocence, and quiet introspection. Surrounding it, the finely illustrated susuki (Japanese pampas grass) evokes a sense of the autumn season, often associated in Japanese poetry and art with subtle melancholy and natural beauty.
In Japanese folklore and symbolism, the rabbit (usagi) is also linked to the moon and considered a messenger of good fortune and fertility. The graceful stillness of this composition reflects not only expert craftsmanship but also a reverence for nature and the spiritual quiet it can inspire.
Ōtsuka Kōgeisha, established in 1919 by Minoru Ōtsuka, was founded on the ideal of "art for the people". Originally a photography studio, the company evolved into a leading producer of kōgei-ga (巧藝画), thanks to Ōtsuka’s collaboration with master painter Yokoyama Taikan and his deep commitment to making fine art accessible. Their work often drew from traditional Japanese themes, including seasonal motifs and animals with cultural significance.
