From our recent Japanese acquisitions- the first we have seen

Do you have a ship to deliver you good fortune this year?

Suited for a museum, special indoor gallery space, or garden comes this Japanese superbly hand cast lantern in the form of the fortune treasure ship “Takarabune” in full sail. It proudly brandishes old paper liners which serve to amplify interior candle light.

Its bow is simply engraved with a 19th century rendition of a wave pattern and the loop on top may allow suspension from a chain.

During the first three days of the New Year the Seven Lucky Gods are said to pilot through the heavens to human ports as the Takarabune or Treasure Ship. As it sails into town bringing good fortune, the takarabune is celebrated in a New Year’s tradition in Japan, especially by hopeful businesses.

It is simple yet superbly hand modeled and decorated with a pavillion on top and with a high bow.

Fine 19th century quality- a genuine find suitable for your special space. .

A unique, impressive sculpture destined for the finest collection and indoor space or garden display.

Handmade and hand cast. This is the first example of this impressive lantern form we have had the pleasure of handling in over twenty years.

Only one available.

Dimensions: 18.5 inches long and 12 inches high

Provenance: Private Japanese American Collection.

Lifetime guarantee of authenticity: All of our Asian works of art come with our Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee. We are members of NAJGA- North American Japanese Garden Association.

History of Seven Lucky Gods:

In Japanese mythology, the Seven Lucky Gods or Seven Gods of Fortune (shichifukujin in Japanese) are believed to grant good luck and often have their place in netsuke engravings or in other representations. These gods have been recognized for over a thousand years. In the beginning, these gods were worshiped by merchants as the first two (Ebisu and Daikokuten) were gods of business and trade. Subsequently, the other classes of Japanese society looked for other gods that could correspond with their professions: Benzaiten as the patron of the arts, Fukurokuju as the patron of the sciences.

We have been dealing in authentic Japanese, Chinese, European, and Asian Fine art, antiquities, garden ornaments, lanterns and water basins for 25 years. Our president personally travels to Japan, Europe and China each year to meet his network partners who assist him in finding best examples. He personally inspects each antique work of art to ensure its old age, authenticity and quality condition. After accumulating a group, they are imported to Vermont in large containers. This method keeps shipping costs low and enables us to offer them to you at reasonable prices. We ship internationally.