For your consideration is this Japanese Carved Wood Sculpture of Daikoku (Daikokuten), circa late Meiji - early Taisho periods. Provenance: the Owen D. Mort, Jr. Collection. Owen David Mort was an American engineer who amassed an impressive collection throughout his worldwide travels. His collection has included art, artifacts and other historical items from which he has donated to museums at the University of Utah and the Snite Museum of Art at the University of Notre Dame, also including African, Afghan, Indian, Mughal, Persian and Far East Asian artifacts. In Japanese folklore, the Shichifukujin are the Seven Lucky Gods who may also be known as the Seven Gods of Happiness or the Seven Gods of Good Fortune. The pudgy god of wealth, farmers, food and good fortune wears a peasant hat, holds a magical mallet, pleasantly smiling while standing on bales of rice. Originally, he was a Hindu warrior deity named Mahakala, and once introduced in Japan, he became the God of Wealth and Prosperity. He has a full figure and large earlobes. He is traditionally associated with the Hindu god Shiva and the Buddhist god Mahakala. Kanji script is carved on reverse side on lower back. This beautiful sculpture stands out as a testament to the amazing skill of Japan's wood carving history whose roots date back to the ancient, far away Asuka period. Handsome rich wood colour, intricate detailing to face, hands, and flowing robe geometric designs incorporated onto the rice bags. Left hand fingers exhibit marring, front rim of hat and face of hammer chipping noted. The item measures 16.5"H x 8"W x 6.5"D, and the weight is 6lb 14oz.*