**Originally Listed At $250**

East Asia, Japan, Edo period, late 19th century. A brush painting executed in black ink on a wood panel depicting one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune, this plaque is known as an ema and likely was once hung in the rafters of a Buddhist temple or Shinto shrine as a votive offering. Ema have been created and used for centuries. Traditionally, Japanese worshippers would write wishes or prayers on such wooden plaques. Most often people would inscribe wishes related to love, success in academics or careers, health, and prosperity. Size: 18.75" L x 18.75" W (47.6 cm x 47.6 cm)

Interestingly, the word ema literally means "picture horse" as early Shinto traditions regarded horses as animals that could carry messages called kami. Today scholars believe that artists began featuring other entities rather than horses during the Muromachi or Tokugawa periods.

Provenance: private Lumberton, Texas, USA collection, acquired before 2010

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#170347

Abrasions, nicks, stains, and age cracks as shown. Inactive insect wear particularly affecting the peripheries and verso. The brush-painted imagery has faded somewhat but is still legible and very engaging.