Japanese Antique 15 inches Ema Votive Tablet Wood Minogame Turtle Temple Shinto

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■ Description Item Details This is a rare and authentic Japanese Ema (Votive Horse Tablet), a wooden plaque used to offer prayers or gratitude at Shinto shrines.

• Subject (Minogame): The hand-painted image depicts a Minogame, a legendary turtle with a flowing tail of algae. In Japanese folklore, the Minogame is said to live for 10,000 years and is a powerful symbol of longevity and good fortune.

• Provenance & Inscription:

  • On the back, the address and name of the dedicator are written in ink.

  • Address:“Akita Prefecture… The address is written below, but it is in cursive/old script, so it cannot be read clearly.”The use of the archaic Kanji for prefecture (縣) suggests its age.

  • Name: A rare personal name characteristic of the Akita region is inscribed.

• Age: Based on the use of the archaic Kanji character (縣) and the historical town name "Wada-machi" (established 1935), this piece likely dates from the Early to Mid-Showa Period (c. 1930s-1950s).

• Style: It features a charming Mingei (Folk Art) aesthetic, showing the genuine faith of common people in the countryside.

Size & Weight

• Dimensions: approx. 37.5 cm x 22.5 cm x 2 cm / 14.76 in x 8.85 in x 0.78 in

• Weight: 443 g / 0.97 lbs

Condition Condition: Antique / Rustic

• General: Shows significant signs of age and weathering, which is typical for Ema that were hung outdoors at shrines.

• Wood: There are natural stains, darkening, and wear on the wood.

• Painting: The pigments have faded over time, creating a beautiful, weathered "Wabi-sabi" atmosphere.

• Please check the photos to appreciate the historical character of this piece.