Japanese Oshie Chicken Handmade Applique Art

This is a handmade oshie on a shikishi board of the year of the chicken. I love that it is a couple, so cute! The kanji on it means happiness and longevity. It has a stamped seal both top and bottom, as shown. The color is more white, like the first two photos. The close up came out more gray than it actually it. It is meticulously appliqued- I have never seen work so exact. It measures about 24 cm (9.5") x 27 cm (10.75"). It uses various layers of fabric, most kimono fabric, and cord to create the picture and it is a true one of a kind work of art that was made with a lot of care and time. The back has nothing on it. You could add a hanger or use a stand to display it. The Inari, tea cup and obi are not included, just props. :) I have lots of others in my shop, if you like this one take a look! Every item has a story but these oshie have a special one. I was walking to the Handicraft Market at Chion-ji Temple in northern Kyoto and a lady was outside of her house selling these at a space she'd set up on the sidewalk. She was caring for her mother who was sick and couldn't get to the market that day. My Japanese is terrible but I try and we spent time talking about how precise her art was and she told me I could help her by taking them all home. I have a soft spot for this type of art anyway and I didnt need a better excuse. I bought them all (lucky for me my husband hit the ATM on the way there) and she went back to caring for her mother. As I bought everything in her stall, I do have quite a few other oshie in my shop, if you'd like to take a look. If you don't know what oshie is it dates back to the Edo period and is a gorgeous art form that usually uses left over kimono fabric. It's worth looking up. Let me know if you have any other questions!