Netsuke, ivory. Japan, Meiji, (1868 – 1912)
The god of wealth, counted among the Seven Gods of Fortune in Japan, Shichi Fukujin. Particularly vivid composition. He is wearing his typical head covering and holds in his hands his most important symbol, hammer of the mountain folk, Kanton no Tsuchi. The point is that four tiny rats are climbing between his legs on a rope hanging on the hammer. Also the rat is a symbol of prosperity. In back are four rosetted himotoshi, the signature SHUN-GYOKU 春 玉 on one foot sole.
HEIGHT 4,5 CM
From an old German collection