The Seven Gods of Japan Kutani Ware Porcelain Sake Cup Set of 7
- Sake cup measures H: 1.35" Diameter: 3"
- Made in Japan
The Seven Gods of Japan
The shichi fuku jin, seven luck beings, are a popular group of deities left from the Edo period. These gods are seen throughout Japan, by themselves and with each other. As with most gods, each is named and has their own specialty that they help with.
Ebisu
Ebisu offers a good catch and is the patron of fisherman. He is said to help guide seafarers to a safe journey because he arrived to Japan from the sea. In the countryside he is said to watch over rice fields and general agriculture. Other tradesmen including land merchants, farmers and caterers adopted the help of Ebsiu, seeing him as offering prosperity in return for their hard work. Ebisu is often considered the most popular of the seven gods, because he has been adapted for both sea and land making him relevant to most peoples lives.
Daikoku
Daikoku is associated with giving a good harvest, he also ensures success in commerce and trade. He is a guardian for cooks and those that work in the kitchen. He came to Japan, from China although he began as an incarnation of Shivain from India. Those who dream of financial riches and material wealth often worship Daikoku.
Benten
An angel of the Sarasvati, the Indian goddess of fine arts , Benten came to Japan with Buddhism despite being connected to a Hindu goddess. Benten is said to help soften the vulgarity of monetary wealth and there for is included in the group of seven.
Fukurokuju
Fukurokuju was renowned for performing miracles especially in terms of longevity and prosperity. Beginning as an old Taoist god, whom was based on the old Chinese sage Lao Tzu. Lao Tzu kept archives for the imperial court in the Sung Dynasty of China. This deity is of wisdom, wealth, happiness, longevity, virility and good luck. He is thought to share his body with Jurojin
Jurojin
Jurojin is thought to be the god of wisdom, happiness and wealth. Another Taoist god from China he is thought to share a body with Fukurokuju.
Hotei
Similar to Daikoku Hotei is a god of abundance. He also is considered the god of laughter, and of the satisfaction you can achieve by being happy with what you have. In addition to abundance Hotei is also the god of joy and satisfaction in trade. A Hotei statue is often positioned at the entrance of stores and commerce booths.
Bishamon
Bishamon is the god of prosperity, often symbolized by the treasure tower. He is also the god of war and warriors, in this stance he is symbolized with defensive armor and an offensive weapon. He brings luck in both battle and defense and is considered a defender of Buddish law and a defender of peace.
Kutani Ware
Kutani ware is a style of Japanese porcelain first established by Goto Saijiro after the mid-seventeenth century. Production of Kutani ware ceased at the end of the 17th century, but commenced again in the 19th century. The porcelain style is known for five colors: red, yellow, green, purple and navy, which are used to paint over dynamic line drawings.