A vintage shikishi features a hand-painted image of a Hariko no Tora (papier-mâché tiger), gracefully poised on a plum blossom branch (ume). Rendered in a traditional ink and watercolor style, the tiger is shown with wide eyes and a vibrant red collar, its expressive, stylized form adding a sense of whimsical character. The delicate plum blossoms blooming above, painted in elegant brushstrokes with subtle color accents, evoke early spring and the renewal of life.
In Japanese symbolism, the tiger is a powerful figure associated with courage, protection, and warding off evil. The Hariko no Tora, a folk craft especially popular in regions like Fukushima and Aizu, is often gifted to children to ensure strength and safe growth. Meanwhile, plum blossoms represent perseverance and hope, as they bloom in the late winter snow—making them a poetic backdrop to the resilient tiger figure.
Signed and sealed by the artist, this shikishi board embodies both folk charm and symbolic depth. It would make a meaningful decorative piece, especially for collectors of Japanese seasonal art, zodiac motifs, or traditional calligraphy works.
