A wooden dragon is a traditional Eto Ittobori (干支一刀彫) carving from Ise Jingū (伊勢神宮), Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrine. Created for the year 2000, which marked the Year of the Dragon in the zodiac cycle, this piece embodies powerful symbolism of strength, transformation, and divine energy.
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.
Each year, Ise Jingū produces a limited number of zodiac carvings as sacred talismans, believed to bring protection, good fortune, and blessings from the shrine’s deities. This piece is not just a folk craft, but a spiritual object tied to centuries of tradition and Japanese seasonal observance. An excellent piece for collectors of Japanese woodcraft, zodiac items, or Shinto-related folk art.
