This ema (絵馬) was issued by Minatogawa Shrine (湊川神社) for the year Heisei 31 (2019). Beautifully crafted from wood, the plaque features a charming family of wild boars—a mother with her young piglets—set against a radiant golden background adorned with pine, bamboo, and plum motifs, traditional symbols of good fortune and longevity in Japanese culture.
The inscription 開運招福 (Kaiun Shōfuku) translates to “Inviting Good Fortune and Prosperity,” expressing the wish for happiness, success, and blessings in the coming year. As the zodiac animal of 2019, the boar symbolizes courage, determination, vitality, and protection from misfortune. In Japanese folk belief, the boar is admired for its fearless nature and unwavering spirit.
Founded in 1872 in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Minatogawa Shrine is dedicated to the loyal samurai hero Kusunoki Masashige, a figure revered for his devotion and integrity. The shrine remains an important place of worship where visitors pray for success, protection, and good fortune.
With its warm wood grain, vibrant artwork, and auspicious symbolism, this ema is a delightful piece of Japanese shrine culture, appealing to collectors of zodiac items, folk crafts, and traditional devotional objects.
Size: 14 x 9cm
