Posted 4 years ago
kwqd
(1189 items)
This cast iron plaque is 8.5" wide x 8" high x 1" deep and weighs 4 lbs 5 ounces.. There is a notation and date (1965) on the back. It came in a wooden box which might be considered a tomobako, or just a box. The box appears to be hand signed, so this may be an artist's piece. There is an indistinct maker's mark on the back, I think. It has a faux copper or bronze finish. I think this a protective plaque depicting the Chimata-no-kami, or "road folk spirits" who protect travelers. I purchased this from a dealer in Japan who had a slightly different perspective on the beings on the plaque, but I am pretty sure that I am correct in my identification.
https://djaunter.com/travel-gods-deities/
Chimata-no-kami, in Japanese Shinto lore, were known as the “road-folk spirits” or “goddesses of innumerable roads.” Chimata-no-kami is actually two guardians combined into one: Yachimata-hime and her consort, Yachiamata-hiko. Travelers would petition their protection against ghosts, haunted buildings, demons, and other such specters.
Wonderful cast iron plaque Kevin, great image of the guardian spirits - your cast iron collection is fabulous
Thanks for your comments, Jenni! I like this one a lot! One of the things I really like about collecting cast iron versus pottery and glass is the lessened worry about damage during shipping!
Thanks for your comments, Eileen! I've actually never watched Spirited Away! Maybe I should. It got good reviews... The fellow in Japan that I bought this from specializes in estates, so it may have come from a collector or from someone who received it as a gift and never used it. I agree, it looks new.
Thanks for taking a look at my road folk spirits plaque Eileen, Vynil33rpm, Thomas, jscott0363, RichmondLori, Kevin, Jenni, dav2no1 and fortapache!
cool score Kevin.................
Thanks for your comment, Shuzbut! I really like this one!
Interesting, Eileen! Yep, this dealer has some really nice stuff. A lot of interesting pottery, especially!
Thanks for loving my Japanese plaque Vynil33rpm, aura and Shuzbut!
Thanks for taking a look at my Road Folk Spirits plaque PhilDMorris!
Thank you ho2cultcha!
Thanks for checking out my Road Spirits plaque vcal!