| Fukujin is a collective term for deities believed to bring happiness, good fortune, prosperity, and blessings to people. In Japan, the Seven Gods of Good Fortune (Shichifukujin), whose worship became widespread during the Muromachi period, are the best-known examples. On the fuchi, Hotei is depicted reclining with his large cloth bag and holding a sacred jewel (hoju). On the left side of the kashira is Jurojin, identifiable by his staff and distinctive head covering. The figure on the right holds a war fan (gunbai) and is less readily identifiable, possibly representing a deity of Chinese origin. This fuchigashira depicts three gods of good fortune with dignified yet expressive appearances, skillfully capturing their individual characters. The artist, Tamagawa Yoshiaki, studied under Tamagawa Yoshihisa in Mito before moving to Edo, where he further trained with the Ishiguro family of metalworkers. This work passed the NBTHK Hozon Tosogu shinsa in 2016. |
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