Antique 14cm long Tai-guruma (Sea Bream Cart) by Takeshi Miyaji, a folk toy from Kagoshima Prefecture, Kagoshima Jingu Shrine. Mingei (folk craft), lucky charm.

✳︎Product Name: Kagoshima Jingu Tai-guruma (Sea Bream Cart)
✳︎Artisan: Takeji Miyaji
✳︎Year of Production: Showa Period
✳︎Size: Approx. H 135 x L 14 x W 7.8 cm
✳︎Condition: Wheels turn. No box / Branded Miyaji on the bottom, Sho Hachiman branded on the side / Surface peeling (please refer to images) / Please understand that as a used item, there may be some age-related wear.
✳︎Notes: Wheels (bark peeling) / Characteristic marks from carving tools and chips from the molding process, as well as color unevenness, are present, typical of old wood carvings. Please order only after understanding that this is a used item.


The origin of this Tai-guruma is not just a specialty product of Kagoshima Prefecture, but is said to be a of the myth of the red fish that swallowed a fishing hook, as found in ancient tales.

What is that story?

Hiko-hohodemi no Mikoto (Yamasa-chihiko) went out to sea after exchanging his favorite bow for the fishing gear of his elder brother, Umi-sachi-hiko. While fishing, Yamasa-chihiko lost his fishing hook. Oh no, his elder brother Umi-sachi-hiko would not forgive him no matter how much he apologized.

At his wit's end, Yamasa-chihiko sought advice from Shio-tsuchi-no-oji. He visited the palace of the sea in a basket with no eyes, and there, he finally retrieved the lost fishing hook from the throat of a sea bream. And they lived happily ever after.

This is a historically rich, local folk toy presented at the Kagoshima Jingu Shrine's festival (Fuji Festival), embodying local beliefs.

It is made from cedar planks shaped like a fish, with stripes of gold and red, black lines drawn, and four wheels attached.

With its rustic charm and colors full of southern Japanese sentiment, it continues to be loved among folk toys nationwide.

◎⤵︎Search Terms Below
Folkcraft
Japanese lucky charm
Wood carving
One-stroke carving
Lucky Bag
Koppa Doll
Sasano Ichibori
Offering
folktoy
Ki-usagi
Ainu carving
Shaving marks
Peasant art
Shinto altar
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