Antique Japanese Otsu-e Folk Art Pair — Edo Period — Calligraphy & Birds — Original Hand-Painted

This is an authentic pair of antique Japanese folk art paintings in the traditional Otsu-e style, likely from the late Edo to early Meiji period (mid-to-late 19th century).
Painted on thick handmade washi paper, these unique artworks depict a pilgrim or sage figure on one piece and elegant birds on a branch on the other.

These folk paintings were sold as lucky charms to travelers and pilgrims near Otsu, Shiga prefecture, and are an important part of Japanese popular art history.

📜 Poem Translation:
The left piece features a beautiful handwritten waka (classical poem) in flowing calligraphy:

Japanese (romaji):
Amanohara
Miwatasu kagiri
Kumo mo nashi
Furuki yo no yo ni
Nao furisomeken

English translation:
The heavenly plain,
As far as the eye can see —
Not a single cloud.
In this pure ancient world,
Snow still gently falls.

This poem evokes the pure, clear sky and timeless beauty of winter in Japan — a classic theme for good fortune and peace.

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If you're captivated by vintage works from the late 20th and early 21st centuries, including scrolls, shikishi, paintings, calligraphy, oshi-e, posters and vintage prints of renowned Japanese artists, explore our other gallery, JapaneseArtY, at https://japanesearty.etsy.com.

Please note that antique and vintage artworks may have traces of time, stains and creases due to age, so please review all photos.
We upload photos where you can check the condition of the item. But sometimes the photos may not show everything. Also, the colors in the photos may not match the original. Please feel free to ask for additional photos.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Before shipping, all artworks are placed in special cardboard envelopes/boxes and cardboard to ensure their safety during transportation.

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