R2003.5.2
Title
R2003.5.2
Creator
Japan
Date
19th century
Label
Daikoku, 19th century
Japan
Carved wood
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Kramer WL’40, R2003.5.2
Of Indian origin, Daikoku was originally associated with the Hindu god Siva, who travelled to Japan along with Buddhism. Once considered a fierce protector deity, Daikoku is now the Japanese Shinto deity of wealth and farmers. A cheerful character, he wears a hood and stands on two bales of rice while carrying a large sack of treasure slung over his shoulder and holding a small wish-granting mallet. In some traditions, Daikoku is also considered a deity of the kitchen and a provider of food, and images of him can still be found in monastery kitchens and in the kitchens of private homes.
Japan
Carved wood
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Kramer WL’40, R2003.5.2
Of Indian origin, Daikoku was originally associated with the Hindu god Siva, who travelled to Japan along with Buddhism. Once considered a fierce protector deity, Daikoku is now the Japanese Shinto deity of wealth and farmers. A cheerful character, he wears a hood and stands on two bales of rice while carrying a large sack of treasure slung over his shoulder and holding a small wish-granting mallet. In some traditions, Daikoku is also considered a deity of the kitchen and a provider of food, and images of him can still be found in monastery kitchens and in the kitchens of private homes.
Credit Line
Museums at Washington & Lee University
Citation
Japan , “R2003.5.2,” Museums at Washington and Lee University: Online Exhibits, accessed May 17, 2024, https://exhibits-museums.omeka.wlu.edu/items/show/321.