Antique sculpture composition "Ebisu and Daikoku". Made of bronze. Presented with an original wooden box. Author of the form: Takamura Koun. Japan, 20th century. Ebisu was the god of the morning sun and the patron of children. Over time, this character became a deity of trade in Japan. The fish in Ebisu's hands began to be perceived as a symbolic reward for honesty in trade. Some netsuke depict a smiling, bearded Ebisu embracing the fish he caught with his hands. Such a figurine was associated with an old proverb that claimed that it is difficult to catch a sacred carp with bare hands in clear water.