Ebisu, one of the Seven Gods of Wealth, he is also called Hiruko, the only one of the Shichifukujin with a
native Shinto origin, and is worshipped as a patron saint of seafaring, fishing and the provider of daily sustenance
for honest labor.
Brilliantly evoked in this impeccably cast and lacquered bronze finished with gold and silver, Ebisu is seen
here standing above a large boulder with a fishing pole in his right hand, and a large red cod under his left arm.
Beautifully sculpted with portrait-quality facial features, engraving and sumi for the fine hairlines, with a
countenance of wisdom and benevolence, his lacquered burgundy skin tone lending a pleasing contrast to the broad
areas of gilded silver, which is embellished with a gold gilded 3-leaves kamon on the front. Due to its age, the
gilded silver appears with splatters of oxidation. Evidently the quality of artistry is the best preservation for
this Meiji okimono, through which the God of Wealth is ever retaining its joyous expression of grace and charms.