320 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM. vol.59. 



167. Daikoku. — Wood, lacquered and gilt. Daikoku is one of 

 the Japanese seven gods of good fortune (Shichi-fuku-jin) , which are 

 derived from Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Shintoism, and 

 form a sort of popular appendage to Japanese Buddhism. They 

 are, in the order of their popularity, as follows: 



1. Daikoku (the "great black one") is Mahakala of the Hindus. 

 But while the Hindu god is one of the most destructive and awe- 

 inspiring deities of the Plindu pantheon, his Japanese counterpart is 

 the smiling god of wealth. He is usually represented as a sturdy 

 figure habited in the ancient dress of a well-to-do Chinese burgher, 

 with a flat cap. In his right hand he holds the magic hammer, a 

 single stroke of which gives wealth, while his left hand grasps the 

 mouth of a sack that is slung across his shoulder. He stands or sits 

 upon a well-filled pair of rice bales. The mallet being the attribute 

 of miners, and the rice the product of agriculture, are emblematic of 

 the two principal sources of the wealth of ancient Japan. Some- 

 times he also carries a turnip. His picture is frequently found at 

 the entrance door to the house. 



2. Ebisu (the "stranger") is, notwithstanding his name, an indige- 

 nous product of Japan. He was the younger brother of the Shinto 

 sun goddess Amaterasu (from whom the emperors of Japan derived 

 their descent). He somehow incurred the displeasure of his family 

 and was expelled to the western sea, where he spent his remaining 

 life as a fisherman. He is, accordingly, represented with a fishing 

 rod in his right hand and a fish (Par/rus cardinalis or major, which is 

 considered by the Japanese the most delicious provision on the table). 

 He is the patron of merchants and tradesmen and is usually in the 

 company of Daikoku, the patron of the farmers. 



3. Benzaiten (popularly abbreviated to Benten) is identified with 

 Sarasvati, the spouse of Brahma, the Hindu goddess of eloquence and 

 learning, and her character has remained the same in Japan. She is 

 also the popular goddess of love and beauty and everything that 

 adorns life. In Hindu mythology she is depicted as riding on a pea- 

 cock as her vehicle (vahan). In Japan she is often represented as 

 standing or sitting on a dragon and holding a musical instrument. 



4. Bishamonten (Bishamon) is the Hindu Kubera or Vaisravana, 

 the god of riches and the Buddhist Maharaja of the northern quarter 

 of Mount Meru (see above under No. 159). In Japan he is the god 

 of strength and wealth, but also the patron of knowledge. He is 

 usually represented as a stately knight, holding a model of a castle 

 or tower and a spear and standing on a conquered foe, which sym- 

 bolise his function as guardian warrior god. 



5. Hotei ("linen bag") is believed to have been a Chinese priest 

 who lived in the tenth century A. D., celebrated for his fatness, his 

 love of children, and especially for always carrying a large linen bag, 



