Antique Japanese Omikuji Fortune Telling Set Late Edo Period Shinto Shrine 99 St

The set consists of a rectangular lacquered box with a small opening at the top and 99 hand-inscribed bamboo sticks. In Japanese tradition, the box is shaken until a single stick falls out, revealing one's destiny. Each bamboo stick is meticulously marked with ink calligraphy indicating various levels of fortune, such as "Daikichi" (Great Good Luck) or "Kichi" (Good Luck).

Key Features:

• Late Edo Provenance: A genuine artifact from the mid-19th century, embodying the spiritual history of feudal Japan.

• Lacquered Shrine Craftsmanship: The box features a classic black lacquer finish with red accents. The word "御籤" (Omikuji) is deeply carved and lacquered in red on the front.

• 99 Bamboo Fortune Sticks: A near-complete set of weathered bamboo sticks, each bearing unique historical calligraphy.

• Profound Patina: The extensive wear on the lacquer tells a story of thousands of hands shaking the box in prayer over nearly two centuries.

Size (Approx.):

• Box Height: 14.5 cm / 5.7 in

• Box Width: 8.3 cm / 3.3 in

• Total Weight: 350 g / 0.77 lbs

Condition: Authentic antique condition with significant "itami" (historical wear). The lacquer shows extensive peeling, cracking, and loss, particularly around the edges and corners, revealing the seasoned wood beneath. The bottom of the box shows remnants of fabric tape, a sign of a functional repair made by a caretaker in a later era to preserve the piece. These imperfections are not considered defects but rather proof of its long, active life in a Japanese shrine.

Please carefully inspect the high-resolution photos to appreciate the deep history and rustic "Wabi-sabi" character of this rare spiritual artifact.