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1985.53.611

Wooden figure of Daikoku, squatting on two bales of rice, carrying a bag and the magic mallet [upper part missing]. Partly painted. [El.B 12/11/2013]

1985.53.611

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Collection type
Object
Description
Wooden figure of Daikoku, squatting on two bales of rice, carrying a bag and the magic mallet [upper part missing]. Partly painted. [El.B 12/11/2013]
Geographical reference
Japan
Asia > Eastern Asia > Japan
Cultural groups
Japanese
Date / Period
Date made: Before 1985
Date collected
by 1985
Acquisition information
Loaned: 1985
Materials and processes
Material Wood Plant, Material Pigment, Process Carved, Process Incised, Process Painted
Dimensions
Height: max 65 mm, Width: max 49 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 1985.53.611
Research and responses

Daikoku is one of the seven lucky gods. The bag he is carrying is probably the bag of good fortune, which contains inexhaustible treasures. The magic mallet brings forth money if struck against an object. Daikoku is considered to be the god of wealth, farmers, food and the kitchen, and good fortune. See http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/daikoku.shtml. [El.B 12/11/2013]

Associated publications
Illustrated in colour in the pamphlet accompanying the Reading Room displays at the Welcome Collection with the caption “Daikoku Wood Japan RRa0230/1985.53.611 Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford. Daikoku is a Japanese god of wealth, usually represented as a jolly, chubby man sitting on bales of rice and carrying a wooden mallet.” [FB 15/8/2016]

Search terms: Figure, Religion, Religious Object