A fine Shinto household shrine. These shrines were typically simple in design, displaying the modesty of Shinto followers. Shrines were always placed high in a corner of great rooms where smoke from cooking fires would color them black. This example features a smaller, removable shrine to house sacred talismans in the form of paper amulets. In addition, 14 stone Daikoku figurines are included. While likely not original to the shrine, it's possible that the daikoku figures represented the owner's strong wish for household and agricultural prosperity. The shrine is in excellent condition.

c. 18^th century (Edo period), Japan

30" height x 16 ½" width x 10" depth