Mother Goddess of Prosperity Inari Okami Antique Japanese Zushi Shrine 稲荷大神社

Antique Japanese Wood Zushi Shrine

Inari Okami 稲荷大神

Shinto Goddess of Prosperity

Circa: Taisho Period, 1920s
Zushi: H 7.25 in.(18cm), W 4 in.(10cm), D 3 in.(7.5cm)
Figure only: H 4.25 in.(11cm), Pedestal: H 5 in.(12.5cm)

Minor imperfection, overall good Condition!

A rare set features the revered Japanese Prosperity Goddess, Inari Daimyojin (Dakini-ten), accompanied by her two divine guardians, Masatake Inari Kami 正武稲荷神 and the Dragon King Kami 八大龍王. Enshrined in an elegant lacquered Zushi, the Goddess wears a luxurious long robe riding on a large fox adoringly looking up at her. As a testament to their sacred origins, all three figures are hand-carved with serene facial features, realistically rendered intricately with sumi prayers in kanji written on the backsides. Inari, the Shinto deity of rice and prosperity, was first seen in an imperial decree from Emperor Junna in 827 and is believed to have arrived in Japan on a white fox amidst a harsh famine that struck the land.

Revered as the Divine Mother of Compassion and a manifestation of the Kannon Bodhisattva, she is the patron deity of agriculture and provider of abundance. Inari Okami is highly esteemed in Nichiren Buddhism. The memorable Torii gates at the famous Kyoto Shinto shrine are a dedication to the Goddess.

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