 |
Antique
Japanese Carved Okimono
Jurojin
God of Luck /
Shichifukujin
Artist
Signature: Gyokushi, Meiji 19th Century
H 8.25in.(21cm.), W 2in.(5cm.), D 1.6 in.(4cm.)
Condition: Excellent
Jurojin,
his name in kanji literally can be translated as the Longevity-Old-Man. He is
believed to be an incarnation of the Star God of Longevity administers the span
of life on earth for mankind; and also worshipped as the patron of scholarly success.
Jurojin wears the robes of a scholar with perhaps a Shinto style head-dress. Like
Fukurokuju, with whom he is often confused, Jurojin holds a staff, carries a scroll
or a longevity peach, and perhaps a fan; he is usually accompanied by the minogame
and or the deer; the later is said to be 1500 years old. It was believed that
he who eats the flesh of that deer would live the age of 2000 years. 
Private Collection |
