Yoneda Yuzan Kiln Kutani Seven Lucky Gods and Treasure Boat

This is an auspicious figurine of the Seven Lucky Gods riding on a treasure boat. It also has a cushion made of a gorgeous red and gold brocade and a wooden plaque with "Kutani shichifukujin kurofune" (Kutani seven lucky gods black ship) written in Chinese characters.

Yoneda Yuzan kiln of Kutani ware makes this item, and each piece is individually decorated with a painting technique called "mori-e," which is similar to slip trailing. 

In ancient Japan, it was believed that happiness would come from a foreign land beyond the sea. It is also said that a story spread around the Edo period (c. 1603-1867) that if you sleep with a picture of the Seven Lucky Gods on a treasure boat under your pillow on New Year's Day, the second day of the New Year, or Setsubun night, you will have a good first dream.

The names of the gods on the boat are as follows, starting from the left of the picture.

Daikokuten- God of property and holds a mallet.

Bishamonten -God of protection and wears armor. 

Hotei- God of fortune and marital bliss, holding a fan.

Fukurokuju- God of longevity and holds a jewel in one hand and a walking stick in the other. 

Benzaiten- One of the patron deities in Buddhism, originally a Hindu goddess. She is also characterized by her biwa (musical instrument).

Jurojin- God of longevity, holding a walking stick. 

Ebisu- God of commerce and holds a sea bream representing a big catch.

For over 60 years, the Yoneda Yuzan Kiln has been offering beautiful decorative figurines. The objective behind these beautiful figurines is to bring good luck and prosperity to businesses and families, while providing them with comfort and harmony at home.

PRODUCT DETAIL

• Dimension: [Figurine]18cm(4.7in) x 13cm(3.9in) x H18cm(4.7in)/ 
  [Cushion] 23cm(9.1in) x 21.5cm(8.5n) x H3cm(1.2in) 
• Material: Porcelain, cloth
• Origin: Made in Japan - Kutani Ware
• Brand: Yoneda Yuzan Kiln