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FUKUROKUJU
God of Wisdom and Longevity
Origin China
One of Japan's Seven Lucky Gods
  
Male. The god of wisdom, wealth, and longevity, the bearded Fukurokuju has an unusually high forehead, and is typically holding a cane with a sutra scroll (hebi) attached to it. He may also have a crane or a tortoise near him (both creatures are signs of longevity). Fukurokuju originated from an old Chinese tale about a mythical Chinese hermit (Sung Period) renowned for performing miracles. In China, this hermit was considered to embody the celestial powers of the south polar star. To some, the scroll is thought to contain all the wisdom of the world, while to others it contains a magical scripture. He is sometimes pictured with a tokkuri (drinking vessel) in his left hand, but I'm not sure about the meaning of this object. Often associated with Jurojin. The two are said to inhabit the same body.
ANIMAL ASSOCIATIONS
Fukurokujin -- crane or deer, stag, tortoise
FOR MORE PHOTOS
www.butsuzou.com/jiten/fukuroku.html
Japanese-language store selling wood carvings of all seven
Modern stone carving
(L) Jizo Bosatsu (R) Fukurokuju
Photo taken at stone-cutters shop near Kamakura
Ivory Fukurokuju in collection of
Andres Bernhard AKA Rapick - Italy
Modern Woodblock "New Year" Postcard by David Bull
www.asahi-net.or.jp/~xs3d-bull/hagaki/postcards.html
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