Ornament - Palm Sized Shōki (L) by Mizuki Yoshida

Mizuki Yoshida's Craftsmanship

Amulet, Shoki Statue

Ceramic figurines of Shoki (Zhong Kui) created by Mizuki Yoshida, a young potter from Kyoto.

Shoki, who has long been a symbol of warding off evil and misfortune.

This guardian deity, almost forgotten with the changing times, has been given new life.

What is Shoki?

Shoki is a deity originating from Taoism in China.

His dignified appearance is characterized by a long beard, official robes, and a stately stance holding a sword.

In Kyoto, Shoki figures have been placed on tiled roofs and cherished as amulets to ward off misfortune.

By placing Shoki, who is considered stronger than oni (demons), on the roof as an alternative to oni-gawara (demon roof tiles), Shoki statues imbued with wishes for protection became widespread as a custom in Edo period Kyoto.

Like oni-gawara and Okinawa's Shisa, they are deeply intertwined with culture and customs.

Even today, with fewer tiled roofs, walking through the streets of Kyoto, you can still see houses with Shoki figures on their roofs.

Mizuki Yoshida's Craftsmanship

The Shoki statues created by Mizuki Yoshida maintain their dignified appearance while possessing the unique charm of ceramics, exuding softness and warmth.

Her passion for Shoki began during her university days when she encountered a Shoki statue on the tiled roof of a Kyoto townhouse.

Captivated by its presence, Yoshida creates Shoki statues that respect tradition while infusing her own sensibilities.

From small items to large decorative pieces that stand out in an interior, all convey the warmth of handmade craftsmanship.

Mizuki Yoshida's Shoki carefully unravels its history and background, capturing the historical appearance of Shoki while incorporating the warmth unique to ceramics in its design.

Its presence possesses the strength to protect family and space, while quietly adding the beauty of craftsmanship and tradition to everyday life.

Comment from the shop owner

This Shoki is a size that's easy to display anywhere.

Dignified yet adorable, it's a figurine I can recommend to women too.