Ema are often seen in Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. The term “ema,” literally “picture-horse,” has its origin in the paintings of horses that were substituted for actual animals presented to Shinto shrines in ancient times. With the passing of centuries, the repertory of subjects for ema grew extensively. The frames of these paintings were also of wood and often had peaked outlines, imitating the roof lines of Shinto shrines. Ema were made by anonymous craftsmen and painted in a lively, spontaneous manner with bright pigments, and they exemplify the rich enduring traditions of folk art (“mingei”) in Japan. The preferred medium was carefully hewn wood planks finished with gesso, lacquer, or other materials impervious to water. Weathering often exposed some of the wood grain and faded the bright colors used by the ema painters. The result was a harmonious, tactile surface of great appeal.

Older ema like this one are relatively difficult to find today because not many have survived due to the manner in which they were displayed by the recipient shrines or temples. Usually installed high on an outside wall, above doors and windows but under the overhanging eaves of the roof, ema were tilted forward slightly to be seen from the floor below. Despite some protection afforded by the eaves, wind-driven rain gradually took its toll.

CONDITION is very good, consistent with age and exposure to the elements. There are the expected water spots and fading of the painting into the dark wood background. The close-up photos of the details of the painting are brighter than actual due to the light used to take the pictures, as the overall appearance has been darkened with age. This is a quintessential piece of Japanese folk art! DIMENSIONS: Overall 34 ¾” (88.3 cm) wide, 24” (60.7 cm) high, 1” (2.5 cm) deep.