This shikishi print by Ueno Dōzen presents a symbolic composition associated with auspicious imagery and traditional Japanese beliefs, centered around the motif of good fortune and renewal. The design incorporates an ema (votive plaque) adorned with offerings and seasonal elements, accompanied by expressive calligraphy reading 「招福」 (Shōfuku, “inviting good fortune”), conveying a heartfelt wish for prosperity, happiness, and a bright future.
Ueno Dōzen (上野道善, 1939– ), a distinguished Buddhist priest and calligrapher. Born in 1939 (Shōwa 14), Ueno served as a senior priest of Tōdaiji Temple (東大寺) in Nara and later became the Chief Abbot (管長) of the Kegon sect (華厳宗), the sect historically centered at Tōdaiji. He is widely respected not only for his religious leadership but also as a master of brushwork, known for his powerful yet refined calligraphy. The son of a Japanese-style painter, he was immersed in artistic practice from an early age and has contributed to both religious and cultural art circles, including teaching and involvement with institutions such as the Narukawa Art Museum.
The imagery of the snake—long regarded in Japan as a guardian of wisdom and wealth—enhances the auspicious meaning of the piece, making it especially suitable as a decorative work for the New Year or as a talisman for good fortune. The composition balances gentle color accents with fluid ink lines, embodying a harmony of spiritual symbolism and artistic elegance.
