This delightful pair of rat (nezumi) zodiac figures comes from Kamigamo Shrine (上賀茂社), one of Kyoto’s oldest and most venerated Shinto shrines. Rendered in a simple, rounded form, the two rats—one in auspicious white and the other in vibrant vermilion—face one another in a gentle, intimate pose, evoking harmony, partnership, and the quiet beginnings of a new cycle.
Kamigamo Shrine, formally known as Kamo Wakeikazuchi Shrine (賀茂別雷神社), is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, with origins that trace back to the 7th century, though its sacred status is believed to be much earlier. It is dedicated to Wakeikazuchi-no-Ōkami, a deity associated with thunder, protection, and the vital forces of nature.
Each figure is marked with the character 福 (fuku, meaning “good fortune”), reinforcing their role as talismans of luck and prosperity. The smooth, matte finish and minimal detailing give them a soft, approachable presence, characteristic of shrine-issued engimono (auspicious objects) designed to bring blessings into the home. Their paired presentation also suggests balance—yin and yang, purity and vitality—further enhancing their symbolic depth.
In the Japanese zodiac, the rat is the first of the twelve animals, representing renewal, fertility, and cleverness. At Kamigamo Shrine, a site deeply connected with agricultural rites and the protection of Kyoto, such figures carry prayers for abundance, household safety, and a prosperous year ahead. Accompanied by its original box and inscription, this set embodies both spiritual meaning and the gentle charm of traditional shrine craft.
Size: 7 x 5 x 5cm
