Amulet Zoo

In this INAX BOOKLET, we introduce the forms of animals that people have entrusted with their various wishes—for perfect health, abundant harvests, prosperous descendants, and thriving businesses—drawing from beliefs and cultural practices around the world.

Tigers, lions, monkeys, dogs, elephants, foxes, wolves, bears, snakes, frogs, cranes and tortoises, phoenixes, dragons, kappas, maneki-neko (beckoning cats), and other animals that have become symbols of protection, warding off evil, fertility, and longevity are featured with abundant illustrations. The book traces how the same animals have been given different meanings and roles depending on local natural environments, religious views, and lifestyles.

It includes an essay by Hidetoshi Kato on totems and modern society, as well as Akira Hasegawa’s "Elephants Supporting the World," Toru Sasaki’s "Northern Peoples and Bears," Katsumi Suzuki’s "Cherry Blossoms for Flowers, Sea Bream for Fish," Juri Abe’s "Eagle Medicine," Hiromi Ito’s "Beron-Tsurun-De Heno Kappa," and Kiyoshi Ito’s "Dragons Soaring in the Sky."

Accompanied by photographs by Akira Tabuchi, the book showcases animal motifs expressed in toys, figurines, accessories, sweets, clothing, ritual tools, and more. It is a volume that deciphers the earnest prayers hidden behind their charming appearances and the desires and fears that humans have entrusted to animals.

[Title] Omamori Zoo
[Series] INAX BOOKLET
[Publisher] INAX Publishing
[Publication Date] December 15, 1996
[Page Count] 84 pages
[Size] Approx. 212 x 206 mm
[Format] Softcover
[Language] Japanese
[Title Reading] OMAMORI DOUBUTSUEN
[Author/Editor/Others] Hidetoshi Kato, Akira Hasegawa, Toru Sasaki, Katsumi Suzuki, Juri Abe, Hiromi Ito, Kiyoshi Ito / Writers, Akira Tabuchi / Photography, INAX Gallery Planning Committee / Planning
[Editing/Design] Sumitomo Kazuko Editorial Office, Sumiko Muramatsu / Editor, Kazushi Suzuki, Kiyoko Hirota, Yoko Goto / Designers
[Printing] Toyo Printing Co., Ltd. / Printing, ASK / Phototypesetting, Masayuki Nagaku / Manual Phototypesetting
[ISBN] 9784872757316
[Condition] Used [5] Fair (edges show signs of wear)
[Accessories] -
[Featured in] -
[Related Exhibitions] -

Akira Tabuchi

Photographer. In this book, he photographed toys, figurines, ritual tools, accessories, and other items from various parts of the world where animals are depicted as objects of faith and prayer. He records animal forms and the local cultural practices and beliefs behind them.

< Related Figures >

Hidetoshi Kato, Akira Hasegawa, Toru Sasaki, Katsumi Suzuki, Juri Abe, Hiromi Ito, Kiyoshi Ito, Akira Tabuchi, INAX Gallery