A Sacred Fire Horse Year in Foil: Amaterasu Omikami and the Divine Horses of Kambe Shrine**
At Kambe Shrine (Kambe Sosha) in Suzuka, Mie Prefecture, a rare and highly symbolic goshuin is issued for 2026, the year of Hinoe-Uma (Fire Horse)—a zodiac combination that occurs only once every sixty years.
This limited goshuin depicts Amaterasu Omikami, the supreme Shinto sun deity, standing at the center of the composition, illuminating the coming year with divine light. Behind her appear two sacred white horses (shinme), long regarded as messengers between the gods and humankind, symbolizing purity, protection, and the transmission of prayers.
The artwork is produced using multi-color embossed foil (tashoku embossing), a technique rarely seen in traditional goshuin. Layers of gold and soft metallic tones create depth and tactile relief, allowing the image to shift subtly depending on viewing angle and light. This sensory quality reflects the dynamic nature of the Fire Horse year—energy, renewal, and decisive change.
Created as a mark of worship rather than a decorative print, this goshuin embodies both spiritual meaning and contemporary craftsmanship. For collectors, it represents not only a once-in-a-generation zodiac theme, but also an exceptional example of how modern foil techniques can respectfully expand the expressive language of goshuin culture.
Offered exclusively for the New Year of 2026, this piece stands as a powerful devotional record—capturing time, belief, and artistry in a single sacred impression.
