A small guardian deity that accompanies the life in a Kyoto town house: Shōki-san.
This is a piece made by the third generation, Akihisa Asada, from a plaster mold after seeing the Shoki produced by the first generation. Please take a look at the third generation's Shoki and compare it. *This is an original design of Shoki from Asada Tile Factory!
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About Mr. Zhong Kui... There is a story about Zhong Kui, who was a successful candidate from the end of the Tang dynasty, appearing in the dream of Emperor Xuanzong, where he drove away evil spirits and cured illnesses. Even today in China, it is said that during the New Year, his image is displayed at doorways as a talisman against evil. In Japan, since the Muromachi period, he has been associated with the Tango no Sekku (Children's Day) and has been depicted in banners and dolls as a charm against evil and misfortune. Zhong Kui is portrayed wearing a black crown, with wide eyes, a magnificent beard, a robe, long boots, and holding a sword in his right hand.
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28,000 yen (tax included, shipping extra)
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P2
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In Kyoto, it is common to contrast the demon tiles on the roof with the guardian deity, Shōki, made of ceramic tiles, which is placed on the middle roof. You can use it as a decorative item wishing for the healthy growth of children, or as an interior piece that protects your precious home from earthquakes and fires. Many people also display it at the entrance of their apartments and condominiums.
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When you see the appearance of temples and townhouses in the capital, many people may be drawn to the beauty of the tiled roofs. Tiles, which were introduced to Japan during the Asuka period, were used for a long time as precious materials only in limited places such as temples and castles. During such times, the unique gloss of "Kyoto tiles" was achieved by using clay sourced from the area around Higashiyama and polishing it before firing. Primarily used for the main roofs of temples, during the Edo period, a simplified version of the traditional roof tile system was devised, leading to its spread to private homes. This replaced thatched and wooden roofs with tiled roofs, and Kyoto became renowned as a national production area for tiles. Among the various production areas across the country, "Kyoto tiles," known for their heavy and elegant impression, have been regarded as high-quality products in terms of quality, color, and luster since ancient times. Asada Tile Factory continues to focus on handmade production that requires skilled techniques, and it has now become the only factory manufacturing "Kyoto tiles." We will continue to cherish traditional techniques and the culture of Kyoto, delivering products that live up to the name "Kyoto tiles." Asada Tile Factory Shopping Site [KyotoTiles.com]