The minimal and geometric wooden figure is an 伊勢神宮 干支一刀彫 (Ise Jingū Eto Ittōbori) — a traditional one-knife wood carving from the sacred site of Ise Jingū, Japan’s most important Shinto shrine. These carvings are created in limited designs each year to celebrate the Japanese zodiac (干支, eto), but also include stylized animal figures with symbolic meaning.
Ittōbori (一刀彫) means “one-knife carving,” a minimalist carving technique originating from the Nara region and also seen in Ise’s sacred crafts. The figure is cut from a single block of wood using bold, faceted strokes, giving it a sharp, almost polygonal style that reflects the carver’s confidence and precision. The geometric appearance emphasizes simplicity and natural beauty, resonating with the Shinto ideals of purity and reverence for nature.
Linked to the Zodiac Year of the Monkey (申, saru), though it’s rendered with artistic freedom rather than realism. In Japanese tradition: Monkeys symbolize cleverness, mischief, and communication with the divine, often acting as messengers of the gods (神使, shinshi) at shrines. When carved in this serious, grounded form, it may reflect wisdom, guardianship, and primal strength — a protective and spiritual presence. These carvings are sold as sacred keepsakes or protective talismans from Ise Jingū, where they are believed to carry blessings. Each year, a different zodiac animal or spirit creature is carved in this style, often blessed at the shrine, making them both folk art and spiritual object.
Size: 5 x 6 x7 cm
