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AB 80-30 a-b

Food

  • AB 93-5 Rice Bowl
  • 2013.XX.11 Osechi-ryori (open)
  • AB 1031 s2 Chopsticks
  • AB 845 Rice Cake Mold
  • AB 88-2 Chopsticks Set
  • AB 80-30 a Rice Paddle
  • AB 911 Ceramic Dish
  • AB 82-27 Bento Box
  • AB 82-18 Makisu
  • AB 82-13 Chopsticks rest
  • AB 59-12 a,b
  • AB 76-145 a,b Zaru Soba Tray
  • AB 1107 a,b Pot
  • AB 76-109 Rice Cooker
  • AB 936 a-b Futamono bowl (lid on)
  • AB 914 Kitchen Knife

What is it?
Rice Paddle
What is it made of?
Bamboo/Paper
Where is it from?
Kyoto, Japan
When was it made?
ca. 1980
Object ID
AB 80-30 a-b
Description

This bamboo rice paddle (a), or shamoji, features the words "Oharano Jinja" (Oharano Shrine) in four kanji characters, burned onto the surface of the handle. It is accompanied by a paper bag (b), on which is written the words "Oharano Shrine" and "Fuku shakushi" ("good luck paddle").  

This paddle is symbolic of rice, which is the traditional cornerstone of a meal in Japan. It is generally given as a talisman or souvenir to visitors to the Oharano Shrine (in exchange for a donation) in Kyoto. They are then brought home and are functional, not decorative. This particular rice paddle was given as a souvenir to former Children's Museum Director Michael Spock upon his visit there in 1980.

Credit
Gift of Mr. Yasui, 1979.
AB 80-30 a Rice Paddle