Offered for sale as part of a collection clearance. This is a charm believed to be a fire-prevention deity, originating from the Aizu region of the Tohoku area. It is a wood carving in the shape of a large male phallus, and is typically hung from the beams of a house, along with a carving of a female vulva. This is done to pray for fire prevention, warding off evil, and household safety. This sacred object was enshrined in an old folk house built in the late Edo period. As a result, the surface, having endured many years, has accumulated layers of soot, creating a unique texture. While fire-prevention deities are sometimes produced as souvenirs, those items have a smooth, polished surface, and do not have this kind of texture. Size: Approximately 75cm tall Due to the large size of the item, it may take some time to ship. Shipping will be via Kuroneko Yamato (Yamato Transport) cash on delivery, so please be aware of this. As this is an old item, there are scratches and stains due to aging. Please examine the photos carefully and understand that no claims or returns are accepted before purchasing.