This shikishi artwork depicts a charming and somewhat nostalgic scene titled 「支那の馬」(Shina no Uma, “Horse from China”), featuring a folk toy with 唐子 (karako)—a traditional Chinese child figure—riding atop a small, decorative horse. Rendered in soft mineral pigments and ink on a warm, lightly textured ground, the composition evokes the gentle world of East Asian folk imagery as it was appreciated in Japan from the late Edo through early Shōwa periods.
The karako is portrayed with a serene, childlike expression, rosy cheeks, and simplified facial features, emphasizing innocence and auspiciousness rather than realism. The horse decorated with rhythmic patches of colour, papier-mâché folk horses. The slightly exaggerated proportions and playful colors give the scene a lyrical, almost storybook quality. Fine lines suggest reins or a tether, adding a sense of movement and gentle control without disrupting the calm mood.
In Japanese art, karako motifs traditionally symbolize prosperity, fertility, and the wish for healthy, thriving children. When paired with a horse—an animal associated with vitality, travel, and strength—the image can be read as an auspicious scene expressing hopes for growth, success, and a bright future. The title’s use of “Shina” reflects an older historical term once used in Japan for China, situating the imagery within a classical, cross-cultural visual tradition rather than a literal geographic reference.
Size: 24 x 27cm
