Japanese Oshie Sheep or Bull Handmade Applique Art Zodiac Wall Art Tanzaku

These are a different shape from the others I have, long and thin. They are common in Japan and my favorite shape because they are great on a narrow wall and feel like a scroll. This shape is called tanzaku. This is a handmade oshie of sheep (for year of the sheep- coming up!) or bulls and cherry blossoms (for year of the bull). The bull has the artist's stamp on it. The designs are really detailed design. The shikishi boards are gold for the sheep of trimmed in gold for the bulls. It is meticulously appliqued- I have never seen work so exact. It measures about 3" x 14". You could add a hanger or use a stand to display it. 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!