Vintage wooden carved figure of a bullfinch (鷽, uso), originating from Kameido Tenjinsha Shrine (亀戸天神社) in Tokyo, Japan. It is specifically associated with the Usokae Shinji (鷽替神事), a traditional ritual held annually at the shrine.
The Usokae Shinji (鷽替神事), or “Bullfinch Exchange Ritual,” is a traditional event typically held in January. Participants exchange old uso figures for new ones, symbolizing the exchange of past lies or misfortunes (as “uso” also means “lie” in Japanese) for truth and good luck in the new year. The bird is also associated with Tenjin (Sugawara no Michizane), the deity of learning and scholarship, which makes this amulet particularly popular among students and worshippers at Tenmangu shrines.
This specific wooden uso is a charming and minimalistic carving, often painted with green, black, and red accents, and is typically kept as a good luck charm for warding off misfortune and bringing about success, honesty, and prosperity.
