Description

An antique Japanese Shinto Shrine (also known as a Kamidana, Yashiro or Omiya) housing the deities Ebisu and Daikoku. The shrine was made from Hinoki (Cypress) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) while the deities were hand carved from Tsugenoki (Boxwood).

Ebisu is characterized by the lucky Sea Bream (Tai) fish that he holds under his arm. Sitting on a rocky shore, he looks to the water as a protector of fish, fisheries, seafood, fishermen, sea merchants and anything else that is related. Daikoku is shown carrying a lucky mallet (Uchide no Kozuchi) and bag of treasure as he stands atop two bales of rice. He is the protector of agriculture, farmers, rice merchants and other related fields. Over the years in Japan, they have also extended their realm as the protector of the kitchen, all businesses, martial arts dojos, etc.

This is a wonderful example of Japanese Mingei art that would decorate any home or office. There is some loss commensurate with its age.

15 1/2″ Wide x 15 1/2″ High x 9 3/4″ Deep

Early Meiji Period (1868-1880)