DescriptionJapanese antique large votive plaque, Ema, painted with a beautiful black, prancing horse. Made of wood and painted with mineral colors. The frame is lacquered black with decorative copper hardware. The word “Ema” literally means “horse painting”. These votive plaques are usually found at Shinto shrines and were intended as a means to show thanks for a blessing or to ask for good luck. Writing on the back of the ema usually gives the specifics of a prayer. Through time, ema have become smaller and more accessible at temples and shrines and are especially popular during times like the Lunar New Year and final exams. Now, other animals and images can be found in addition to the traditional horse ema.Age: Edo Period (1603-1868)Dimensions: 38″ high x 50 1/2″ wide x 2″ deep
