Fukurokuju Inkwell

This brass inkwell features a sculpted figure of Fukurokuju, one of the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichi-fuku-jin) in Japanese mythology.

• Material and Form: The inkwell is made of brass. It has a cylindrical base, which holds a glass inkwell insert.
• The Figure: The upper portion of the inkwell is dominated by the sculpted figure. He is depicted as an elderly man with characteristic features:
  • Elongated Forehead: The most striking feature is his exceptionally tall, elongated forehead, a hallmark of Fukurokuju.
  • Facial Expression: He has a kindly, smiling face with visible wrinkles, a beard, and a mustache.
  • Attire and Pose: He is dressed in traditional robes, which are textured with folds. His hands are clasped together in front of him. He is seated directly on the cylindrical base of the inkwell.
• Inkwell Mechanism: There is a hinge on the back where the figure meets the base that allows it to open, providing access to the glass inkwell inside the base.

• The Signature “Y. Kik.”: The piece is signed on the back “Y. Kik.”

About Fukurokuju

Fukurokuju (福禄寿) is one of the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichi-fuku-jin) in Japanese mythology and folklore. His name is a compound derived from Japanese words for happiness (fuku), wealth (roku), and longevity (ju), directly reflecting the attributes he embodies.

• Associations:
  • Longevity: This is his primary association, symbolized by his notably long head.
  • Happiness/Good Fortune: He is believed to bring good fortune and happiness.
  • Wealth/Prosperity: Though sometimes attributed to Daikokuten or Ebisu, Fukurokuju also carries associations with prosperity, particularly through diligence and wisdom.
  • Wisdom and Scholarship: He is also seen as the god of wisdom, often depicted with a scroll or book, symbolizing knowledge and education. He is sometimes accompanied by a crane, which represents wisdom.