This is an unusual, large sculpture of Ebisu. It is made of a solid piece of zelkova wood (keyaki in Japanese). Ebisu is one of Japan's "Seven Lucky Gods" and considered the patron saint of fishermen in Japan. He is the only indigenous Japanese deity among these seven gods. He typically holds a big sea bream ("tai"), a symbol of felicity and prosperity. Here, a very jolly Ebisu struggles to hold onto the fish, which is as big as he is. ...click for details
This is an unusual sculpture of Okame (aka Otafuku/Ofuku), the Japanese Goddess of Mirth. She is elegantly dressed in several layers of kimono. Her outer kimono (purple) is extra long, and she wears it loosely, without a sash. Her demure composure, kimono fashion, and hair style all recall Japan's ancient, Heian period (8-11th century) Imperial court culture. Might this Okame be an homage to Murasaki Shikibu (11th-century lady of the court and author of "The Tale of Genji")? And M ...click for details
