Old Japanese Man

This figural inkwell depicts an old Japanese man with a joyful expression. This may be Fukurokuju, one of the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin) in Japanese mythology. Fukurokuju is depicted as an old man with a long beard and distinguished by an elongated forehead. He is associated with wisdom, luck, and longevity.

I believe this is an example of Bizen ware, a type of Japanese pottery traditionally produced in Bizen province. Bizen ware typically fires to a brick-red, brown, or deep bronze color, acquiring a bronze like patina as it ages.