Antique Japanese Ivory 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