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Antique
Japanese Ivory Okimono
Jurojin
God of Luck /
Shichifukujin
Artist
Signature: Hogetsu
Meiji
period, 1868-1911
H 8. in.(20cm.), W 2.75in.(7cm.), D 2.5 in.(6cm.)
Condition: crack line,
o.a. very good Jurojin
is usually accompanied by the minogame and or the deer. However, this superbly
carved okimono by the netsuke carver Hogetsu depicts Jurojin is accompanied by
a crane, also a symbol of longevity. He is carrying
several scriptures over his shoulder, smilingly glazing forward and gently petting
the bird. The name Jurojin
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. |
