Kanso House
Antique Japanese Carved Daikoku - 05
Antique Japanese Carved Daikoku - 05
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0/5.0 star reviews
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A lovely stylised antique Daikoku figure.
I acquired this and a number of other gods and Daikoku figures from a dealer in Tokyo who specialises in rare and unique folk sculpture, in his words Japan's Daikoku expert! We spent a wonderful afternoon talking about antiques and discussing the many nuances of the different sculptures, how to tell the age of the sculptures based on certain design features.
Here is Watanabe San's description of this Daikoku Sculpture:
"This statue of Daikokuten is one of the most popular depictions of this god in Japan. Although we have introduced many other wood carvings, this one is carved relatively skillfully. But what do we mean by "skillful"? We primarily introduce Buddhist and Shinto figures known as "Minshūbutsu" (Folk Buddhist Objects), which were carved by common townspeople in Old Japan.
Since these were not carved by professional busshi (Buddhist sculptors), they possess a simple and unique form. This particular statue appears to have been carved by a carpenter or woodworker who had considerable experience.
Notice the detailed work on the costume, the sack, and the bales of rice—it's this fine execution that we refer to when we call it "skillful."
The highlight of this piece is his large, large ears. In Japan, ears like these are called fukumimi ("lucky ears") and are symbols of good fortune and longevity. His gentle expression is also very charming. He almost looks as though he is dozing, and we are sure he will warmly watch over the person who welcomes him into their home."
I like how flatly this one is carved, the designs look very geometric and stylised. It has a nice rich patina and is quite shiny from being handled.
Measures 12cm tall x 6.5cm wide x 6cm deep

Let customers speak for us
from 65 reviewsThe glazing of the vase is so pretty, much better than I expected. Although it’s a tiny damage, but it doesn’t affect my wabi-sabi ikebana
Great little box that is just perfect to store all my folded cranes that a have been accumulating , waiting to be made into a crane chain. Thank you Kanso House for your great eyes!
I absolutely adore this ledger! So glad it is full of writing too. I love having historical items like this, that someone once spent a lot of time using and writing in. Item was also sent very well packaged too. Thank you Kanso House!
i have made two purchases from Kanso House and love both items. They arrived promptly and really well packed and secure. I love the descriptions provided on all items it brings their history alive and makes me want to learn more!
I also love the Origami cranes which accompany each item!
Can’t wait to acquire more from Kanso House
This cup is SO beautiful. I love using it for coffee in the morning. The folks at Kanso House kindly and quickly relaxed me the saucer when it broke on route to me. Thank you to the maker and to Kanso. I enjoy this so much.
Very happy with my purchase. Item exactly as described, just need to buy a vintage pipe to complete the look 😳
Beautiful quality. Even more beautiful in real life than on the website. Shipped and wrapped very well, it arrived without any damage. Thank you, fantastic service.
Really nice vintage item, exactly as described. Very pleased with purchase.
What a lovely, large strainer basket in such beautiful condition. The essence of shibui, hand craftsmanship, natural beautiful aged colour, visually pleading on both sides so you can display many ways. Arigato!
I love them! Small, tactile, charming, lovely green and brown glass melding together in beautiful patterns. They just fit in your hands so perfectly. Thank you Kanso House for your brilliant eyes.
So happy with my purchase of a Daikoku and Ebisu plaque. I have wanted one for many years but always to heavy to carry home in my already overflowing suitcases of other goodies. the service and quick delivery from the team at Kanso House is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Received this beautifully carved fish cake mould and was a bit surprised on its size and weight. I have had them before and they were always smaller. I failed to read the dimensions so I got. a happy surprise. The handle has a lovely patina from being handled over the years. Thank you Kanso House!
I purchased 3 x Contemporary Japanese Ceramic Horned Vases
They arrived well packaged and with a lovely thank you note and little hand made origami bird.
The vases themselves are beautiful and in great condition.
Thank you Kanso House I will be shopping with you again .
I purchased two of these bags and they are absolutely amazing!
Love them!
I finished the year with these five little gems 'Japanese Blue stripe handmade glass.' in my collection . I couldn't be happier . Bravo Kanso House . Love what you do !
An educational meeting
Tokyo 31-08-25
At the end of August I met Watanabe san, a passionate dealer in Tokyo who calls himself Japan's Daikokuten sculpture expert. We met at a dimly lit cafe and over the next 5 hours he brought out piece after piece sharing the history of each one, explaining to me the how sculpture designs have changed over the centuries, how to indentify a rare piece vs a common everyday sculpture.
Adding to the collection
I left the meeting exhausted, we had a translator with us who was amazing but listenting to two languages and trying to understand everything I was learning was alot ot take in. I did manage however to buy from him a small collection of wonderful sculptures to bring back to Australia.
Sharing the passion of daikokuten
Watanabe Collection
We can now share these pieces with you and explain the history and meaning behind each one, all thanks to Watanabe San's generosity with his extensive knowledge.
All you need to know
Shipping
We dispatch all orders within 2 business days via Australia Post. For extra large items, we may use a courier and will communicate with you about the options.
Christmas Postage cut off dates:
16 December for Standard Shipping
21 December for Express Shipping
Standard shipping costs (Australia):
- $0- $100 order: $9
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- 30 days of reflection after receiving the product.
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About us
Kanso House is an online store, occasionally hosting popups in Victoria, Australia.
We are a family run small business with a passion for beautiful functional objects.
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