-Japan 1890 Meiji Carved Figure of Fortune God Daikoku As a Farmer With Coins

A Japanese carved sculpture of Daikoku.

Magnificent sculpture of the god of the fortune Daikoku, created in Japan during the Meiji period, circa 1890. The carving depicts the Japanese god of good fortune, Daikoku personified as a farmer holding a hoe with a clay jar full of ancient gold Koban coins at his feet. The carving is magnificent, extremely well detailed and proportionate showing the farmer with outstanding attires. The level of detail achieved is shown in all parts of this sculpture, such as her hands, her sandals, and her happy facial expression. The figure is stained with ochre and white tints and the coins remain with the original gilding.

Daikoku

Daikoku or Daikokuten literally means “Great Black Deva” God of Earth, Agriculture, Rice, Farmers, the Kitchen, & Wealth. Is one of the Seven Lucky Gods in Japanese mythology who bring prosperity and fortune to people throughout Japan. As the god of luck and fortune-seeking, he is an important household deity also known as the god of five cereals. Those bold enough to make their own fortunes receive Daikokuten blessings.

Koban Gold Coins

The at the feet of this farmer are gold Koban coins struck during the Tempo Era of Japan, between 1830-1844. The Japanese economy before the mid-19th century was based largely on rice. The standard unit of measure was the koku, the amount of rice needed to feed one person for one year. Farmers made their tax payments of rice which eventually made its way into the coffers of the central government; and similarly, vassals were annually paid a specified koku of rice. The Portuguese who came to Japan in the 1550s, however, preferred gold to rice; and the koban, which was equal to three kokus of rice, became the coin of choice in foreign trade.

The Meiji Period

This is an era of Japanese history that extended from October 23, 1868, to July 30, 1912.The Meiji era was the first half of the Empire of Japan, when the Japanese people moved from being an isolated feudal society at risk of colonization by Western powers to the new paradigm of a modern, industrialized nation state and emergent great power, influenced by Western scientific, technological, philosophical, political, legal, and aesthetic ideas. As a result of such wholesale adoption of radically different ideas, the changes to Japan were profound, and affected its social structure, internal politics, economy, military, and foreign relations. The period corresponded to the reign of Emperor Meiji. It was preceded by the Keio era and was succeeded by the Taishō era, upon the accession of Emperor Taishō.

Weight: 1,460 Grams, (1.46 Kg).

Measurements: 185 mm by 106 mm by 117 mm (7.25 x 4.18 x 4.62 Inches).

Signature: Inlaid at the base with an oval red lacquer cartouche bearing the artist's mark and engraved with a maple leaf.

Note: This piece is over 100 years old, and we can provide provenance.

Condition: The overall condition of this sculpture is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, all parts are secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and the authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: D041324MNNM/.6712