Japanese Ofuda Woodblock – Daikoku (Ōkuninushi), Prosperity God – Nishinomiya Shrine, 19th c.

Authentic Japanese temple ofuda (protective woodblock print) from the Nishinomiya Jinja Shrine (Hyōgo Prefecture), dating to the late Edo–Meiji era (c. 1840–1890).

This print depicts Ōkuninushi no Ōkami (Daikoku), the Great Lord of the Land – one of Japan’s most beloved Shinto deities. Known as the God of wealth, harvest, medicine, and longevity, Daikoku is shown seated on rice bales with his magic mallet, a symbol of prosperity. In Japanese belief, such an image invited abundance, good fortune, and household protection.

As a sacred ofuda (御札), this print originally functioned as a temple talisman, given to pilgrims and families to safeguard their homes and businesses. The bold inscription above reads “Ōkuninushi Ōkami” (大國主大神), while the large red seal authenticates it as an official shrine issue: “Hōnō Sesshū Nishinomiya Taisha Gohan”.

Seal and Meaning:
The striking red seal declares “Hōnō Sesshū Nishinomiya Taisha Gohan” — “An offering, official seal of the Great Shrine of Nishinomiya in Settsu Province.” This is not the mark of an artist, but the sacred authority of the shrine itself. With this seal, the print became more than paper and ink: it was believed to carry the living presence of the god. Families placed such ofuda in their homes as divine guardians, invoking Daikoku’s blessing for prosperity, abundance, and protection. To hold this print today is to touch a piece of Japan’s spiritual history — a rare survival of faith transformed into art.

God depicted: Ōkuninushi (Daikoku), deity of prosperity and protection

Function: Ofuda (protective shrine amulet print)

Style: Temple woodblock, Nishinomiya Jinja tradition

Period: Late Edo–Meiji, c. 1840–1890

Material: Washi paper, black ink with red shrine seal

Size: approx. 19 × 26 cm

Condition: Very good, with natural patina of age

This is not merely a print but a piece of Japanese folk faith and spiritual history. Collectors of Japanese art and Shinto artifacts will appreciate both its rarity and its symbolic power.

Secure shipping from Latvia (Riga Gallery of Japanese Art CloudyYokomido).

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