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Complete Vintage Japanese Seven Lucky Gods Set
Offered is a complete set of all seven Japanese Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin), consisting of seven individually molded and hand-painted figures, each numbered 1 through 7 on the underside.
The figures are approximately 2½ inches tall at the largest, making this a charming miniature set with excellent display appeal.
The Seven Figures
No. 1 – Benzaiten
Female deity associated with music, arts, beauty, wisdom and good fortune.
No. 2 – Jurōjin
God associated with longevity and wisdom.
No. 3 – Daikokuten
God of prosperity, wealth, food and agriculture, shown with his characteristic lucky mallet.
No. 4 – Ebisu
God of fishing, commerce and prosperity.
No. 5 – Bishamonten
The armored warrior and protector, associated with victory and protection.
No. 6 – Hotei
The familiar cheerful, large-bellied figure representing happiness, contentment and abundance.
No. 7 – Fukurokuju
God associated with wisdom, longevity and good fortune.
Family History / Provenance
These figures have been in our family for generations. They were brought home from Japan by a family member after World War II and given to my mother when she was a child. My mother was born in 1952, and the complete set has remained together in the family ever since.
The figures are particularly interesting because each has its identifying number molded into the underside, rather than being individually marked with a name.
Material & Construction
The figures appear to be molded plastic/celluloid with a glossy, polychrome glaze. They have an attractive aged amber/brown finish with hand-painted details.
Please examine the photographs carefully for the exact condition and finish.
Condition
Vintage/pre-owned condition with age-appropriate wear, glaze variation, surface marks and imperfections consistent with their age and handmade/molded construction.
There may be minor imperfections from the original manufacturing process as well as accumulated wear from decades of family ownership.
Please see all photographs as they are an important part of the description.
A Wonderful Complete Set
Complete sets of the Seven Lucky Gods are considerably more desirable to collectors than individual figures. The combination of:
• Complete set of all 7 figures
• Original 1–7 molded numbering
• Small miniature size
• Japanese origin
• Mid-20th-century family provenance
• Distinctive hand-painted/glazed appearance
makes this an especially interesting group for collectors of Japanese antiques, Asian decorative arts, Shichifukujin, Japanese folk art and post-WWII Japanese memorabilia.
I have intentionally not described these as “Occupied Japan,” as there is no Occupied Japan marking visible on the pieces.
Please study the photographs carefully and ask any questions before purchasing.
