KOTOBUKI

Lore

In Japanese mythology, the Kotobuki (寿) belongs to the special class of zui-ju—auspicious beings whose appearance heralds prosperity and long-lasting harmony. The character itself means “longevity” and “happiness.” Central to the image is the idea that a Kotobuki’s body is a cosmic fusion of all twelve zodiac animals.

It possesses the head of a rat, the horns of an ox, the neck of a dragon, the ears of a rabbit, the mane of a horse, the chest and belly of a tiger, the back of a boar, the forelegs of a monkey, the hind legs of a dog, the beard of a goat, the crest of a rooster, and the tail of a snake. This magnificent integration turns the creature into a living emblem of the full earthly cycle and flawless balance. To witness one is considered a rare divine blessing.