Copper Figure of the Twin Lucky Gods Daikokuten and Ebisu, Japan
An ornament of the twin lucky gods Daikokuten and Ebisu, made with traditional Japanese copper-casting craftsmanship. Cast in thick copper, it shows the appeal of fine artisanship combined with religious culture. Daikokuten, in ancient dress, holds a mallet that strikes out coins and smiles kindly; Ebisu holds a golden sea bream, symbolizing a bountiful catch and a steady flow of wealth. The two deities sit together on sacks of grain symbolizing treasure, signifying “abundant harvests, all things as wished, and overflowing wealth.” The style is heavy and plain, retaining the natural weathering and copper oxidation of age, which give the piece a deeper sense of history and artistic atmosphere. It is not only a good-luck ornament with feng shui meaning but also a cultural object that brings together folk belief, fine art and craft.
