Ornament - Palm Sized Shōki (Mini)C by Mizuki Yoshida

Mizuki Yoshida's Craftsmanship

Amulet, Shoki Statue

A ceramic Shoki doll made by Mizuki Yoshida, a young potter from Kyoto.

Shoki 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 Chinese Taoism.

His majestic appearance features a long beard, official's attire, and a dignified posture holding a sword.

In Kyoto, Shoki figures were traditionally placed on tiled roofs as amulets to ward off disasters and misfortune.

By placing Shoki, who is considered stronger than oni (demons), on the roof, Shoki statues became a popular custom in Edo period Kyoto as an amulet replacing oni-gawara (demon roof tiles).

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

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

Mizuki Yoshida's Craftsmanship

Mizuki Yoshida's Shoki statues retain their majestic appearance while also possessing the charm of ceramics, offering a sense of softness and warmth.

Her passion for Shoki began in college when she encountered Shoki statues on the tiled roofs of Kyoto machiya (traditional townhouses).

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

From small pieces to large decorative objects that enhance interiors, all exude the warmth of handmade craftsmanship.

Mizuki Yoshida's Shoki figures are designed by carefully unraveling their history and historical background, faithfully reproducing the historical appearance of Shoki while adding the warmth unique to ceramics.

Their presence possesses the power to protect families and spaces, while gently adding the beauty and tradition of craftsmanship to daily life.

Shop Owner's Comment

This Shoki figure is a good size, easy to display anywhere.

It is majestic yet charming, making it a recommended figurine even for women.