divination equipment
- Museum number
- As2001,16.184.a-b
- Description
-
Two divination slips (omikuji) made of paper and printed with predictions wrapped in pink paper printed with a darker pink frame in which the name of the shrine, Kameido Tenjin, and the word omikuji are written, in particular. There is also the symbol of a plum blossom, associated with the god Tenjin. Both are unopened.
- Production date
- 2000
- Dimensions
-
Height: 5.80 centimetres (slip a)
-
Height: 5.80 centimetres (slip b)
-
Weight: 1 grammes (slip a)
-
Weight: 1 grammes (slip b)
-
Width: 2.30 centimetres (slip a)
-
Width: 2.30 centimetres (slip b)
- Curator's comments
- Omikuji are slips of paper available in most shrines and selected on a variety of criteria (lucky draw, blood group, year of birth, age, name, etc.). They include extensive text with predictions for the individual in all aspects of life. If the predictions are favourable, the slip is kept, if unfavourable, they are tied to a branch or a frame within the shrine's grounds to ensure bad luck is not carried away. As most predictions contain some element of warnings, omikuji are usually left at the shrine. Some omikuji now include a charm that can be taken by the individual to promote good luck.
- Location
- Not on display
- Condition
- Good.
- Acquisition date
- 2001
- Acquisition notes
- Acquired for the BP Showcase Exhibition on 'Souvenirs in Contemporary Japan'. British Museum Department of Ethnography; field collection.
- Department
- Asia
- Registration number
- As2001,16.184.a-b
