This Eto Itto-bori (干支一刀彫) from Ōmiwa Shrine (大神神社) was carved in Shōwa 61 (1986), the Year of the Tiger (Hinoe-Tora / 丙寅), and reflects the enduring folk traditions surrounding Japanese zodiac guardians and New Year talismans.
Hand-carved from wood in a delightfully compact form, the tiger is rendered with a warm and expressive character. Its simplified geometric body, hand-painted facial details, and bold yellow striped decoration embody the rustic charm typical of traditional itto-bori carving. Despite its small size, the figure conveys vitality and protective energy, qualities long associated with the tiger in Japanese culture.
Accompanying the figure is its original wooden box and explanatory leaflet from Ōmiwa Shrine (大神神社), one of Japan’s oldest and most revered Shinto shrines, located in Sakurai, Nara Prefecture. Uniquely, Ōmiwa Shrine does not enshrine a sacred object within a main hall; instead, the entire sacred Mount Miwa (三輪山) itself is worshipped as the deity. The shrine has deep connections to ancient Japanese spirituality, agriculture, sake brewing, and protection from misfortune, with origins dating back to some of the earliest layers of Shinto belief.
According to the accompanying leaflet, these zodiac guardians were created under the spiritual blessing of the shrine deity and carved by sculptor Nishihiro Kei (西弘馨) as auspicious protectors for the New Year, imbued with wishes for good fortune, prosperity, and protection.
In Japanese symbolism, the tiger represents courage, strength, and the power to ward off evil influences. Zodiac carvings such as this were traditionally displayed at the beginning of the year as sacred folk ornaments intended to invite luck and safeguard the household throughout the coming year.
Size: 7 x 3 x 5cm
