This Tsuko-Tegata (通行手形) wooden plaque is a commemorative travel talisman from Mino Province (美濃国), a historic region in central Japan known for its cultural heritage and important role along Edo-period travel routes.
Crafted from warm-toned natural wood, the plaque features bold calligraphy reading 美濃の国, accompanied by a vivid illustration of a gourd (瓢箪)—a classic symbol of good fortune, prosperity, and protection. The design is enriched with a large vermilion seal, evoking the official stamps once used on historical travel permits.
The reverse bears the inscription 通行手形, signifying safe passage, along with additional markings such as 交通安全 (traffic safety) and 開運招福 (inviting good fortune), reinforcing its role as a protective charm for travelers. The combination of strong brushwork and traditional seals reflects the authority and symbolism of Edo-period checkpoint documents.
Suspended from a braided red-and-white cord and finished with a small bell, the tegata produces a gentle chime believed to ward off misfortune and safeguard journeys.
