An antique large sculpture of the elder Jurojin, one of the seven wise men (gods of happiness). Ceramics, glaze, gilding, polychrome painting. Japan, XX century

A sculpture of this size is a real rarity. Jurojin is a deity who bestows wisdom, health, happiness. He is usually depicted as an elderly man with a snow-white beard, mustache and gray eyebrows. A distinctive feature of all Shinto deities is a wide smile on their faces. Jurojin is usually depicted with a staff, a scroll and a peach, and sometimes there is a figure of a deer next to him, which is also a conductor of divine power. In the hands of Jurojin is a gumbai, a fan of military leaders, or a magical artifact. His clothes are richly decorated, on his head is a monastic cap with patterns. Jurojin is the patron saint of healers, scientists, and students. Jurojin is marked, the brand of the workshop is at the bottom of the sculpture.