torinoko paper as background of the stripe

This tanzaku artwork by Kotaro Yamada reimagines the traditional Setsubun talisman Hiiragi-Iwashi as a powerful, imaginary creature.

Rendered in vivid red and black pointillism, the fish appears as both protector and predator — a being that devours misfortune before it reaches the home.

The red character 魔 (ma, “demon”) and the red seal-stenciled 除 (jo, “ward off”) frame the composition, invoking the folk belief of mayoke, the expulsion of evil.
Created with fountain pen dots, felt-tip accents, and bold structural lines, this piece radiates dynamic energy and ceremonial intensity.

A contemporary reinterpretation of an age-old custom, it merges folklore with disciplined technique on a Japanese tanzaku shikishi board.