An antique Japanese artist carving of a mated pair of Sika deer. Made of a rare Palm wood with real antlers, this pair is resting peacefully in a meadow.
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Sika deer symbolize longevity. In Shintoism, they are considered a sacred animal and a messenger of the Gods. This is one reason they are allowed to roam freely around Japanese temples and shrines. The God Jurojin is often seen next to or sitting atop this deer in Japanese religious art and iconograpy.
Age: Taisho Era (1912-1926)
Dimensions: 37-1/4" Long by 15" High by 16" Deep