Antique sculpture "Daikoku with a Mouse". Made of bronze, mouse - silver. Japan, XX century

Daikoku is the god of luck and prosperity. Initially, he was revered by the peasants as the god of fertility, but over time he became the god of wealth and the patron saint of the hearth. Daikoku is depicted sitting near a bag, with a mouse in his hand. According to legend, magic rice is stored in the bag, the mouse gnawing the bag scatters rice on the ground, and it gives happiness and joy where it falls.