Vintage Ema (votive plaque) from Nikkō Tōshō-gū (日吉大社 / 日光東照宮), featuring the iconic Three Wise Monkeys, a powerful symbol of moral guidance in Japanese culture. The three monkeys, known as Mizaru (see no evil), Kikazaru (hear no evil), and Iwazaru (speak no evil), are famously associated with this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.
The ema is made of natural wood with a warm grain, adorned with a charming and colorful illustration of the three monkeys perched among stylized tree branches. On the left side, the name 日吉大社 (Hiyoshi Taisha) is stamped in red. The reverse side includes a detailed explanation in Japanese of the monkey motif and its spiritual significance within the shrine's history and teachings.
At Nikkō Tōshō-gū, these monkeys are not just cute figures — they represent the philosophy of living a good and mindful life, embodying ancient Confucian ideals that influenced Edo-period Japan. Pilgrims and visitors hang ema like this one at the shrine to offer prayers, write wishes, and seek moral clarity or protection from negativity.
