Seven Gods of Fortune Kokeshi Nodders

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Very nicely painted set of the Seven Gods of Fortune or Seven Lucky Gods kokeshi nodders. Tallest measuring 3-1/2" and shortest, 2-1/4". It is very common in these vintage kokeshi sets for some of the "carried" items to be missing. Over the years, the glue dries out, pieces fall off and simply get lost. This set was no exception. Replacements of the four "hands" and 4 items were made using mostly bamboo. The replaced parts include, 2 poles with the two scrolls, the fishing pole and the spear. The "hands" were lightly glued and should be easy to removed. Aside from the missing pieces, the dolls are in excellent condition.

The Shichifukujin (Seven Gods of Fortune) are a group of Asian gods that travel in a treasure ship (takara bune) and dispense happiness to their believers. There are specific characteristics associated with each god.
1. Ebisu - god of fishermen, depicted carrying a fishing pole and/or a fish
2. Daikokuten - god of wealth or prosperity, carries a magic mallet or treasure sack
3. Benzaiten - goddess of the arts (the only female), carries a lute
4. Hotei - god of happiness and contentment, depicted with an exposed stomach for it is said if you rub his belly, it will bring good luck. He carries a bag of food and treasure
5. Fukurokuju - god of wisdom and longevity, carries a scroll which contains all the wisdom in the world
6. Jurojin - god of longevity, carries a staff or scroll which contains the secret to longevity
7. Bishamonten - god of war/warriors, carries a spear

This product was added to our catalog on Friday 01 September, 2006.