This shikishi artwork depicts warauma 藁馬 a straw horse associated with the traditional folk custom known as 神送り (Kami-okuri, “sending off the deity”). Rendered with expressive brushwork and warm earthy colors, the horse is constructed from bundled straw, its body defined by rhythmic lines that evoke the texture and form of tied straw stalks. Red accents on the saddle and harness add a festive tone, while the bristling mane and upright posture give the figure a spirited presence.
Straw horses such as this are important elements in rural Japanese folk traditions and seasonal rituals. In many regions, they are crafted during agricultural festivals or New Year ceremonies as symbolic offerings to the gods. The custom of 神送り refers to the ritual sending-off of visiting deities after they have been welcomed during seasonal celebrations. The straw horse serves as a symbolic vehicle to carry the deity back to the spiritual realm, ensuring blessings for the coming year while respectfully concluding the sacred visit.
The motif of the straw horse also reflects Japan’s deep connection to agrarian life. Straw—an abundant byproduct of rice cultivation—has long been used to craft ritual objects such as shimenawa ropes, protective charms, and festival decorations. In this context, the horse represents movement between the human and divine worlds, embodying wishes for safe passage, prosperity, and harmony with nature.
