A Japanese votive plaque for use in a Shinto shrine. Bought by patrons of a shrine they would be hung at the shrine in the hopes of ones wishes coin true. The votive plaque with an older masu, rice measurer and leveling stick. Rice s historically a symbol of wealth being the unit by which feudal dues were paid. In addition the word masu is a homonym for another word of identical pronunciation but meaning “increasing or raising” the attachment of the masu measure therefore a wish for abundance and prosperity. The ema with the inscription “hono”, “votive offering” and stating that it was made in the year of the boar.
Period (1912-1926), dated Taisho 11, or 1922
1 ¾” high x 13 ½” long x 8 7/8” wide