tanzan shrine wooden pagoda - serene presence lucky charm

Love Japanese Style like We Do

Elevate the energy of your space with this attractive wooden pagoda statue from the renowned Tanzan Shrine in Nara.  Evoking serenity and peace, this timeless piece is more than just a decorative item—it's a symbol of good fortune, positive energy, and spiritual enlightenment. Perfect for bringing harmony into your home or office, it serves as a powerful and elegant reminder of life's blessings.

Traditionally, pagodas are believed to attract good fortune, wealth, protection and success, particularly in academic and professional endeavors. This beautifully crafted piece, with its rich historical roots, radiates a unique energy that invites prosperity into your life. Its graceful design and spiritual significance make it a perfect addition to any space in need of a touch of calm and positivity.

Carved from Japanese cypress wood, the pagoda features beautiful natural grain patterns and a darkened patina, enhancing its vintage appeal. With 13 intricate stories, each delicate layer of this pagoda tells a story of tradition and craftsmanship. The base is stamped with the name of Tanzan Shrine and it is in very good vintage condition.

Tanzan Shrine, formerly Tonomine Temple, is a cultural gem with roots that stretch back to 678 AD. Converted into a shrine during the Meiji Period (1868-1912), it represents a rare fusion of Buddhist and Shinto traditions. The pagoda here stands as the only remaining 13-story wooden pagoda in Japan and is a designated Important Cultural Property.

Invite the soothing power of this delightful pagoda into your home; a powerful omamori, or protective charm for your home!

- measures 32 cm (12.6”) tall x 8.5 cm (3.3”) across x 8.5 cm (3.3”) deep.
- weighs 320 gm.

(listing for pagoda only)

SHIPPING INFORMATION
- please read our shipping notes in shipping policy. 
- we use recycle packaging wherever possible and wrap for safety, rather than appearance!

ABOUT OUR VINTAGE AND ANTIQUE ITEMS
We list pieces we feel are worthy of display. There may be scratches, dents, fading and signs of wear and tear. We try to explain the condition of each item exactly, but may miss something.

Information regarding the item and it’s age is obtained from dealers and our personal research. We do our best to give you the correct information but please be aware that we cannot guarantee this information.

Please message us prior to purchase with any questions you may have about our products.

OMAMORI
Omamori are traditional Japanese amulets or good luck charms believed to protect against evil and bring good fortune. A fusion of Buddhist amulet traditions and Shinto charms, omamori gained widespread popularity during the Tokugawa period of 17th-century Japan. They are typically sold at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples.

The concept of protective talismans in Japan dates back to the Jomon era (14,000 - 300 BCE), when people wore comma-shaped stones known as magatama to ward off evil spirits.

The closest predecessor to today’s omamori appeared during the Heian period (794–1185), about 1,000 years ago. During this time, the influence of temples and shrines grew significantly. Individuals known as Oshi, or temple emissaries, traveled across Japan to spread faith and acquire new followers. While many people wanted to visit the shrines or temples, commoners often had no means of transportation to do so. To bridge this gap, the Oshi would leave pieces of wood or stone near people’s homes - omamori, offering them the same protection and blessings that the temple or shrine could provide.

In Shinto, Japan's indigenous belief system, kami (gods or spirits) are thought to offer protection and blessings. Early forms of amulets or protective symbols in Shinto were crafted from natural materials like wood, paper, or metal and were used to invoke the power of the kami. These early charms, called ofuda, were inscribed with the name of a deity or spirit, believed to offer protection. Over time, these evolved into more personal, portable forms of protection, eventually taking shape as the small cloth bags we know today as omamori, which contain sacred prayers or inscriptions.

From around the 6th century, with the introduction of Buddhism to Japan, temples began distributing amulets believed to bring good fortune, health, or assist with specific personal needs. These omamori were often linked to deities or Buddhist figures. 

By the Kamakura period (12th–14th centuries), the practice of carrying personal amulets for protection became fully integrated into both Shinto and Buddhist traditions. The samurai, in particular, were often given protective charms to help them survive on the battlefield.

In the Tokugawa period (1615–1867), it became common for people to carry omamori purchased from religious institutions. These charms were worn around the neck, kept in pockets, or carried in small cases attached to their obi (belts).

Types of Omamori:
Fukuro Mamori – Bag-shaped pouches that typically contain a piece of paper or wood inscribed with prayers, mantras, or the name of a deity. The pouch is often tied with a decorative knot. Variants include charms for health (kenko), success in studies (gakugyo), safety in travel (anzen), protection from accidents (kōshin), and good relationships or marriage (en-musubi).
Omamori-ya – Arrow-shaped amulets, commonly referred to as Hama-ya. "Hama" symbolizes the idea of "beating" evil spirits away.
Mamori Fuda – Wooden amulets. The inner prayer or inscription of hukuro mamori is also often in the form of ofuda. These are traditionally wrapped in white paper, believed to preserve their power and purity.
Suzu Mamori – Bell-shaped charms. The clear sound of the bell is believed to ward off evil spirits, offering protection to the bearer.
Unique Mamori – Some temples and shrines create omamori that reflect their particular symbolism. For example, Mikami Shrine in Kyoto, which is associated with "hair," creates omamori shaped like small combs.