Kotobuki - 寿 - [Yokai]

The Magnificent Kotobuki (JP: 寿, ことぶき) a yokai originally appearing in an edo period good luck charms/woodblock prints such as “The Twelve Precepts (Jûni kyôkun)” by Shigemitsu Enrousai - (1848–54)'

its a Mysterious & Lucky Chimerical beast who’s body is a combination of all twelve animals from the Chinese Zodiac: It has the Face, Eyes and twitchy Nose of a Rat, The Horns of a mighty Ox, The Limber shoulders and belly of a Tiger, The Sensitive ears of a Rabbit,  The Proud towering neck & dazzling flames of a Dragon, The Serpentine tail of a Snake, The Majestic Mane of a Horse, The beard of a Wise Goat, The Legs & Paws both of a Crafty Monkey & a Loyal Dog, The Crimson Red Crown of a Rooster, and finally The Bristly back of a Boar!!! — *phew* —  Some say that it can speak any language and that owning a picture of it will cure/ward off any illness!!

Zodiac animals as luck charms where especially popular in Edo Period Japan (Just as they are today.) – So, logically if you combine all of the animals together at once: then you must have something that is at least x12 as lucky and can appeal to everyone!! – Sounds like a clever marketing to me!! – (Around new years I always get people asking for stickers of the animal of that particular year, Now instead of disappointing them, i can just introduce them to Kotobuki and let them know they’re covered for every year forever!!!)

Sticker Art by @Samkalensky (yo thats me!) - Part of my Night parade of 100 Demons - Yokai & Japanese folklore sticker collection, weather resistant 4" Glossy sticker. Check my shop & follow @samkalensky for many more!

[*Last pics source: https://collections.mfa.org/objects/462161 ]