Ornament(SS) -"鍾馗 穴窯" Shoki Anagama by Mizuki Yoshida

 

Mizuki Yoshida’s Handmade Craft

Protective Shoki Figurine

Mizuki Yoshida, a young ceramic artist from Kyoto, creates handmade Shoki figurines, a traditional symbol of protection against evil spirits in Japan.

For centuries, Shoki has been revered as a guardian against misfortune and illness. Though nearly forgotten in modern times, Yoshida breathes new life into this cultural icon through her handmade Kyoto pottery.

Who is Shoki?

Shoki originates from Taoist tradition in China. He is often depicted with a long beard, dressed in official robes, and holding a sword—an imposing figure of strength and dignity.

In Kyoto, Shoki statues have long been placed on tiled rooftops as talismans to ward off evil. During the Edo period, when belief held that Shoki was stronger than demons, households displayed him as a substitute for traditional gargoyle tiles. Much like Okinawa’s Shisa lions, Shoki became deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Japan.

Even today, while tiled rooftops are less common, you can still find Shoki figures adorning traditional homes across Kyoto.

The Craft of Mizuki Yoshida

Yoshida’s handmade Shoki figures preserve the figure’s dignity while adding the warmth and softness unique to traditional Japanese ceramics. Her inspiration began during her university years when she encountered a Shoki statue on the roof of a Kyoto townhouse. Captivated by its powerful presence, she dedicated herself to bringing this guardian into the modern era through her own handmade ceramic work.

From small figures that fit perfectly on a shelf to larger statement pieces for interiors, each work reflects the warmth of handmade Kyoto pottery. Yoshida carefully studies historical depictions of Shoki while adding her own artistic interpretation, creating figures that embody both protection and timeless craftsmanship.

These traditional handmade ceramics bring a sense of strength and artistry into the home—offering not only a guardian presence but also a piece of Japan’s cultural heritage crafted in Kyoto.

Owner's Comment

This Shoki figure is crafted in a size that makes it easy to display anywhere in the home.

Fired in a traditional wood-fired kiln, it carries a rustic character with natural marks of the flame, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind.

Though dignified, it has a charming appeal that also makes it an excellent choice for women seeking a unique handmade ceramic ornament.