Antique Japanese Omikuji Fortune Box 1929 Wooden Shrine Oracle Sticks Shinto

Shipping costs for orders to the United States include customs duties and clearance fees.
As a result, the shipping fee may appear higher, but no additional charges will be required upon delivery.

For orders outside the United States, these fees are not included and may be charged separately depending on each country’s regulations.
 

■ Description Item Details This is a genuine antique Japanese Omikuji Box (Fortune Telling Box), originally dedicated to a Shinto shrine in 1929 (Showa 4). Unlike souvenir reproductions, this is a functional ritual implement crafted with a specific mechanism for dispensing oracle sticks.

• Mechanism: The box features a "captive stick" design. When shaken, a stick slides out partially to reveal the number but is mechanically stopped from falling out completely. This prevents the sacred sticks from touching the ground.

• The Sticks & Numbers:

  • The box contains a set of bamboo sticks inscribed with Kanji numbers.

  • Number Range: A random check of the sticks shows numbers primarily in the single digits, 10s, and 20s (e.g., 25, 27). No numbers in the 30s were observed during inspection. This suggests it likely follows a specific 30 or 50-stick oracle system used at that particular shrine.

• How it Works: In the traditional Shinto system, the number on the stick is an index key. It corresponds to a specific printed paper fortune (Omikuji) stored in a cabinet at the shrine, which contains the deity's message.

Inscriptions & Provenance The handwritten ink inscriptions provide precise historical dating and context:

• Front: "奉納 御籤箱" (Honou Omikuji-bako) - Dedicated Omikuji Box.

• Side (Date): "昭和四年一月十五日" - January 15, 1929.

• Side (Purpose): "己巳歳 二十五歳 男 安全" - "Year of the Snake, 25 years old, Male, Safety."

  • Context: In Japanese tradition, age 25 is considered a "Yakudoshi" (Critical/Unlucky Year) for men. This box was donated as a prayer for spiritual protection during this vulnerable period.

Size & Weight

• Height: 22.3 cm / 8.78 in

• Base: 9 cm x 9 cm / 3.54 in x 3.54 in

• Weight: approx. 530 g / 1.17 lbs

Condition Condition: Antique / Functional

• Wood: Shows natural aging and dark patina from nearly a century of use.

• Sticks: The bamboo sticks have darkened with age. The ink numbers are visible, though some show wear.

• Mechanism: The sliding mechanism works correctly.