Vintage Japanese Ema Votive Plaque Hand-Painted Wooden Shrine Offering Wishes & Blessings 6"

Japanese Ema Votive Plaque
Japan, mid-20th century to contemporary
Dimensions: 6" x 4"

This hand-painted Ema (絵馬) is a traditional wooden votive plaque used at Shintō shrines and Buddhist temples throughout Japan. Visitors purchase these small tablets, write their wishes or prayers upon them, and hang them at the shrine, where they are believed to be received by the kami (deities) or Buddhist figures enshrined there.

The practice dates back to the Heian period (794–1185), when people offered horses to the gods as symbols of devotion or petitions for blessings. Over time, painted representations of horses replaced the live offerings, giving rise to the modern wooden Ema—literally “picture horse.” Today, designs vary widely, depicting animals of the zodiac, protective deities, local legends, or auspicious motifs.

Each Ema reflects the unique iconography and spirit of its temple or shrine, often bearing the institution’s seal or calligraphic inscriptions. The vibrant imagery not only carries spiritual meaning but also preserves regional artistic traditions in miniature form.

Whether displayed decoratively or kept as a personal talisman, this plaque embodies Japan’s enduring fusion of art, faith, and craftsmanship, offering a glimpse into centuries of devotional practice and cultural expression.