This vintage 90s shikishi print from Kasuga Taisha 春日大社 features a charming zodiac ox motif on a warm gold-toned shikishi board. The red shrine stamp 春日神社 appears at the lower left, marking its connection to Kasuga Taisha, one of Nara’s most historic and important Shinto shrines.
The artwork depicts a stylized ox head with bold curved horns, a gentle folk-art expression, and a small golden bell hanging from its collar. The simple forms, warm brown tones, and playful face give the piece a nostalgic and auspicious character. The calligraphy 招福 means “inviting good fortune,” making this shikishi a lovely lucky display item.
In Japanese zodiac symbolism, the ox / ushi 丑 is associated with patience, sincerity, strength, perseverance, steady progress, and reliable fortune. The ox is also deeply connected with traditional farming life and hardworking prosperity, making it a meaningful symbol for wishes of stability and success.
This piece belongs to a 90s zodiac shikishi series from Kasuga Taisha. Other zodiac animals from the same series are also available, though the full set of twelve years is not complete, so each piece is sold separately. Please feel free to contact me if you are looking for another zodiac animal from this series.
