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A charming Japanese Rat Shōfuku Eto (子・招福干支) figurine from Hie Jinja (日枝神社), created as an auspicious zodiac ornament to welcome good fortune and blessings for the New Year.
The figurine depicts the rat (nezumi / 子) in an exceptionally simple, rounded form, with only its small ears, eyes and pointed snout defining the animal. Its entire body is finished in a striking vermillion red, a colour deeply associated with Shinto shrines and traditionally connected with auspiciousness and protection. On one side, the gold character 福 (fuku) means “good fortune” or “blessing,” while the reverse bears the shrine mark 日枝神社, identifying its connection with Hie Jinja.
The Rat is the first animal of the Japanese zodiac, marking the beginning of a new twelve-year cycle. Because of its ability to multiply and gather provisions, it has traditionally been associated with prosperity, fertility, abundance and household fortune. Its position at the beginning of the zodiac also gives it associations with new beginnings and fresh opportunities, making it particularly appropriate as a New Year talisman.
The figurine's shrine provenance adds another layer of meaning. Hie Jinja (日枝神社) in Tokyo is a historic Shinto shrine traditionally associated with protection and good fortune. The shrine is particularly recognizable for its monkey messengers (masaru), but like many Japanese shrines, it also offers seasonal and zodiac-related auspicious objects connected with prayers for the coming year.
