Magaibutsu Ishibumi, Japanese Engraved Stone

Engraved In Japan, engraved stones called Ishibumi (碑) can be found in many places. The text on these stones can be about all kinds of subjects, such as the place where it stands. The main function of these Ishibumi stones is to pass on knowledge to future generations. Because of this, these Ishibumi stones are also known as memorial stones in English.

On this special Ishibumi, a very beautiful engraving can be seen of Yebisu (恵比須), also known as Ebisu, who is the Japanese god of fishermen, luck, and workers. Yebisu is one of the Seven Gods of Happiness, known in Japan as the Shichi Fukujin (七福神). He is recognizable by his friendly appearance, elongated headgear, and symbols of fishing. Yebisu is very well known and beloved in Japan, and is also the symbol of a prominent beer brand that also bears his name. It is believed that having a statue of Yebisu in the home or garden will have a positive influence on the future.

This particular Ishibumi is adorned with a beautiful relief of the face of a Buddhist deity that seems to emerge from the stone. Carving Buddhist images into stone is an age-old Japanese tradition known as Magaibutsu (磨崖仏).