 Shichifukujin (Seven Deities of Good Fortune) If you visit Japan, you will probably run into figures of shichifukujin, or items (such as wall hanging, ceramic ware and even clothes)feating them. Shichifukujin (7 lucky gods) is a group of 7 gods (and sages) of Chinese, Japanese and Indian origin. They have been the symbol of good fortune and prosperity and thus have been featured on many items, most often onboard a ship called Takarabune (treasure ship). Each has as traditional attribute: 1.Ebisu: God of fishery and agriculutre. Often depicted carrying a fishing rod. 2.Fukurokuju :God of longevity and wisdom. He is usually depiced with long white beard and elongated bold head.Sometimes accompanied by a crane and turtle. 3.JurJUN Japanese Gifts & Souvenirsojin: God of longevity. Often portrayed as an old man with long white beard. He is said to inhibit the same body as fukurokuju.(thought to be the same god) 4.Benzaiten: Goddess of art, music, literature and dance. Only female deity. Often portrayed holding a biwa (Japanese ancient lute.) 5.Bishamonten: God of warfare (also protector of the righteous). Usually depicted wearing full suit of armor. 6.Daikokuten: God of good harvest and wealth.Often depicted wearing ancient courtly hunting clothing with a hood. He also has a wish- granting mallet in one hand and a sack slung over his shoulder. 7.Hotei: God of abundance and good health. Hotei is a Chinese folkloric deity, often depicted having the appearance of a fat bald man wearing a robe He is usually shown smiling or laughing. We have wide variety of shichifukujin related items Please have a look around. |
