17th-century wooden figure of Daikokuten 大黒天
Price on request
A characterful late 17th-century wooden figure of Daikokuten 大黒天, one of Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods 七福神 (Shichifukujin), depicted in his familiar guise as a deity of prosperity, abundance and good fortune.
Daikokuten is shown seated upon two large rice bales 俵 (tawara), raising his magical wish-granting mallet 打出の小槌 (uchide no kozuchi) in his right hand. Over his back he carries a large treasure sack, symbolising inexhaustible wealth and abundance. His left hand grasps the edge of the sack, while one foot rests upon a small box inscribed 富示, literally meaning approximately “manifestation of wealth” or “display of prosperity”.
The figure is finished predominantly in dark lacquer with traces of red and other pigments, and has striking inlaid eyes of reverse-painted glass. The robe and sack are worked with scrolling relief decoration, while the rice bales are carefully carved to imitate bound straw.
This display is connected to a red-lacquered wooden base with a large stylised lobed opening to the front.
A dated inscription carved into the back of the sack:
“Made by Saigan, resident of Fushimi, Kyoto, in Genroku 12 (1699).” 元禄十二年, 京伏見住, 斎愿, 作
Daikokuten’s raised mallet, the uchide no kozuchi 打出の小槌, was believed to bring forth wealth and good fortune when struck, while his large sack symbolises a seemingly inexhaustible store of treasure. Together with the rice bales, these attributes form the classic iconography of Daikokuten as a deity of prosperity.
Period: Japan – Genroku period, dated Genroku 12 (1699).
In good antique condition considering its age, with losses and wear to the lacquer and polychrome decoration, old cracks, minor damages and traces of use consistent with age. The surface has developed an attractive aged patina. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition.
When shipped, a certificate of authenticity will be included.
