A vintage omiyage folk craft piece represents the Shichifukujin (七福神), or Seven Lucky Gods, housed together in a colorful “nagashi taru” (流し樽) . It is a traditional Japanese ritual rooted in folk beliefs and religious practices. It involves sending a sake barrel downstream, often filled with offerings, as a symbolic act of communication with the gods. Believers wait downstream to receive the barrel, interpreting its arrival as a divine message or blessing.
This ritual is closely connected to the "代参" (daisan) tradition, where people make shrine visits on behalf of others. The floating of the barrel represents a proxy pilgrimage and the conveyance of a deity’s will. Each of the Seven Lucky Gods is carefully hand-painted on small kokeshi-like wooden figures, tucked snugly inside the barrel along with other smaller deities, forming a cheerful and auspicious gathering. A boldly painted dragon head on the side hints at mythological and protective symbolism, adding energy and dynamism to the piece.
The front of the barrel reads "流し樽", which refers to a floating or drifting barrel, symbolic of fortune traveling across waters, tying into Japan’s seafaring culture and the shrine’s maritime patronage. Ideal as a wall or doorway ornament, it invites good fortune, safe journeys, and abundant blessings, all with a touch of playful folk art charm straight from the sacred grounds of Kotohira-gū.
