Fukujuraku, Bronze, Japan, c. 1820Japan has always assimilated art, culture, and religion from its surrounding neighbors and somehow created something unique to Japan. This is true of Japan's Seven Lucky Gods, known as Shichifukujin, an eclectic group of deities that includes three from India's Hindu pantheon, three from China's Taoist-Buddhist traditions, and one from Japan's Shinto religion. Collectively, they represent fortune and are often portrayed together on the Treasure Ship, which travels to ports on New Year's Eve to disburse happiness. Persons who place images of the Treasure Ship under their pillows on New Year's Eve that have happy dreams are considered to be fortunate for the entire new year. The group includes: Ebisu, the only indigenous God to Japan, who is associated with Good Fortune, the Ocean, & Fishing Folk. He is considered the Deity of Honest Labor & Patron of Laborers, God of Fair Dealing, and Maritime Guardian. Hindu mythology supplied: Daikokuten, God of Earth, Agriculture, Rice, Farmers, the Kitchen, & Wealth; Bishamonten, God of Treasure, Wealth, & Warriors, Protector of Buddhism, Guardian of the North Dispenser of Riches, Defender of the Nation, Scourge of Evil Doers, Healer of IIlness, and Commander of the Shitenn?, the Four Heavenly Kings; and Benzaiten, the only female and who is considered the River Goddess, Water Goddess, Bestower of Language and Letters, Patroness of Music, Poetry, Learning, and Art, Defender of Nation, Protector of Buddhist Law, and Goddess of Wealth and Good Fortune.Buddhist mythology provided: Hotei, known as the Happy Buddha in the West, who is the god of contentment and happiness; Jur?jin, god of wisdom and longevity; and Fukurokuju, god of wealth, happiness, and longevity. Each of the members of the group existed independently before being combined as one during the late Muromachi Period (1392-1568) and they were standardized by the end of the 17th century to represent the seven virtues (longevity, fortune, popularity, candor, amiability, dignity, magnanimity). Fukurokuju, who wears a long beard and has an unusually elongated forehead, probably originated from a Taoist hermit sage who performed miracles during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). He is typically shown in the customary garments of a Chinese scholar holding a gnarled cane and a scroll. This bronze image of Fukurokuju dates to the late Edo Period (1603-1868) and exhibits his standard features. This piece was my good friend, Michael O'Melia's favorite among my Asian Art and I fondly think of him every time I see it. Japanese bronze figure, depicting the immortal Fukurokuju standing with a gnarled staff and scroll, his bearded face framed by a cowl covering his tall cranium. Edo Period, c. 1830 14 inches