Ornament(S) -Shoki"鍾馗" by Mizuki Yoshida

Yoshida Mizuki's Handiwork

Amulet, Shoki statue

A ceramic figurine of Shoki made by Yoshida Mizuki, a young ceramic artist from Kyoto.

Shoki has long been considered a symbol of protection from evil and misfortune.

New life has been breathed into this guardian deity, which had been almost forgotten as times changed.

Who is Shoki?

Shoki is a deity originating from Chinese Taoism.

His dignified appearance is imposing, with a long beard, official attire, and a sword in hand.

In Kyoto, Shoki has been hung on tiled roofs and has been treasured as a talisman to ward off misfortune.

The custom of hanging Shoki statues on roofs, which are said to be stronger than demons and serve as a talisman to ward off evil spirits in place of onigawara tiles, became popular in Kyoto during the Edo period.

Like onigawara tiles and Okinawan shisa, they are deeply connected to culture and customs.

Even now, when tiled roofs are becoming less common, you can still see houses with Shoki on their roofs when walking around Kyoto.

Handiwork by Mizuki Yoshida

The Shoki statues created by Yoshida Mizuki have a dignified appearance, but also have the softness and warmth that only pottery can provide.

During my university days, I came across a statue of Shoki standing on the roof tiles of a townhouse in Kyoto, and that was the beginning of my passion for Shoki.

Captivated by the statue's presence, Yoshida created a statue of Shoki that was infused with his own sensibilities while still respecting tradition.

From small items to large ornaments that will stand out in your interior, each one has the warmth of something handmade.

Yoshida Mizuki's Shoki carefully unravels the history and historical background of the statue, faithfully replicating the historical appearance of Shoki, while also adding the warmth that only pottery can provide.

Its presence is powerful enough to protect your family and space, while gently adding the beauty and tradition of handcrafted items to your everyday life.