A vintage Japanese shikishi print (色紙) features a coiled snake painted in minimalist brushstrokes, housed within a stylized “ema” (絵馬), a votive plaque traditionally offered at shrines. Symbolizing the Year of the Snake in the Japanese zodiac, this piece carries a wish for protection, wisdom, and transformation.
Tanaka Shosen (田中松泉), a Kyoto-based artist born in 1918 in Nara Prefecture, this piece is a fine example of his light, expressive brushwork. Shosen was known for his seasonal and zodiac-themed art and was selected for the prestigious Kyoga Exhibition among others.
Tanaka Shosen, born in Nara in 1918, was known for his graceful ink work and refined compositions. Selected for exhibitions such as the Kyoga Exhibition, his art blends traditional motifs with Zen-inspired simplicity and warmth.
