This charming folk craft piece represents the Sakushu-ushi (作州牛), a traditional handcrafted bamboo cow from Tsuyama City in Okayama Prefecture. Modeled after the sturdy red and black Bitchū cattle that once played a vital role in agriculture across Western Japan, this figure celebrates the legacy of hard-working draft animals, cherished throughout Bitchū, Bizen, and Bingo regions.
The cow is beautifully constructed from lacquered bamboo segments, with hand-woven straw matting for the saddle and decorative red-and-white cords. Its stylized face and playful expression reflect the warmth and humor of Japanese folk artistry.
Historically, the Sakushu Cow is said to trace back to Tenjin (Sugawara no Michizane), enshrined at many Tenmangū shrines, where oxen are sacred animals. Over time, this figure evolved into a lucky charm and regional craft, often offered to children or placed in homes for protection and prosperity.
This piece comes with its original box and explanation leaflet, preserving its regional and cultural context.
