A vintage shikishi card titled "Hina Dolls for Peach Festival," is a handcrafted shikishi print by Japanese artist Kotaro Yoshioka 吉岡浩太郎. Created using traditional silk screen printing techniques, each piece is carefully produced by hand, resulting in rich, vibrant colors and a soft, refined finish. The image portrays the classic scene of Hina Matsuri, Japan’s Doll Festival, which celebrates the health and happiness of girls. The male doll, dressed in a dignified blue robe adorned with golden pine patterns, stands beside the female doll, who is elegantly robed in a red and gold kimono. Their serene expressions and the harmonious composition create a sense of warmth and seasonal festivity.
About the artist Kotaro Yoshioka. He was born in 1928 in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. He studied painting under Yasuo Kazuki, a highly respected artist known for his deeply expressive work. In 1967, Yoshioka began his journey into silk screen printing, a technique he would come to master and refine throughout his life. In 1973, he traveled to Europe for further artistic study, enriching his creative vision. The following year, he held a solo exhibition of his silk screen works at the Central Gallery, marking a significant milestone in his career. In 1996, he was commissioned to produce a wall mural for Entonji Temple of the Nichiren sect, further demonstrating his artistic versatility. From 1997 onwards, Yoshioka consistently released new works through picture shows and became a familiar presence in various calendars and magazine covers. His work was also exhibited at the Tokyo Art Festival in 2004.
