Netsuke in Shape of Lucky God Daikoku 大黒牙彫根付

英語の後に日本語が続きます。
This 3 cm sculpture is a netsuke in the shape of the Lucky God Daikoku on display at the Tokyo National Museum. It's carved from ivory by an artist whose name I can't read, though the signature implies he carved it at 73 years old. It is amazing how someone with a lifetime of practice can create something this cute and joyful! I love his smile and his little dance.

The lucky god Daikoku, or Daikokuten, is the god of commerce and prosperity, the patron of cooks, farmers, and bankers, and the protector of crops. He's also a demon hunter and one of the Seven Lucky Gods—which, interestingly, include deities from Japan, China, and India. (Daikokuten himself is Indian!) At least, back when the Seven Lucky Gods were a regular part of daily faith, Japan was pretty diverse! 😇 (Check out this post to learn about the Seven Lucky Gods!)

A netsuke is a small carved ornament, typically made of ivory or wood, worn with traditional Japanese dress as a toggle to attach an item to a kimono sash (Source: Lexico). If you love netsuke, check out this list of over 40 pieces!

Netsuke in shape of Lucky God Daikoku 大黒牙彫根付

Is he singing and dancing? 歌えや踊れや♬

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東京国立博物館に展示されていた大黒牙彫根付です。行年七十三石巒作です。

「行年七十三石巒」の読み方を調べたのですが分かりませんでした。どうも73年間修業してきたという意味らしいですのでが、それ以上は｡｡｡

去年、七福神について書きました。七福神は日本、中国、インドの神様のグループ。日本も昔は多様性が豊かだったんですね。ご興味ある方はこちらもお読みください。

根付にご興味ある方はこちらのリストもどうぞ。根付をたくさん掲載しています！

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