Kanso House
Antique Japanese Carved Daikoku Figure - 01
Antique Japanese Carved Daikoku Figure - 01
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0/5.0 star reviews
Free Shipping on orders over $200-
Low stock: 1 left
Couldn't load pickup availability
Antique edo period well worn Daikoku figure.
I acquired this and a number of other 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:
"Daikokuten (18th-19th Century)
This is a wooden carving of Daikokuten, one of Japan’s most popular deities, believed to have been created over 200 years ago during the Edo period.
Traditionally, divine or Buddhist statues (shinzo and butsuzo) were made by professional artisans.
However, these specialized works were extremely expensive and well out of the reach of common people. Statues carved by ordinary individuals themselves, driven by a sincere desire to worship their chosen deities, are referred to as "Minshu-butsu" (Folk-Buddhist Statues). (Though the name contains the word "Butsu" [Buddhist], it encompasses both Buddhist and Shinto divine statues.)
Since they were often carved by amateurs—such as carpenters or woodworkers who were merely imitating professional techniques—the craftsmanship is, in most cases, crude. Yet, these figures, born from simple, heartfelt faith, are sometimes considered more venerable than the "genuine" statues.
For a long time, Minshu-butsu were largely undervalued in the world of Japanese antiques. Recently, however, their appreciation has been rising, especially among younger generations, often recontextualized within the movement of Outsider Art or valued for their "Yurukawa" aesthetic (a term suggesting something "charmingly unrefined" or "loosely cute").
The first things that catch the eye when looking at this Daikokuten are the massive bale of rice and the large bag. Since the bale and the bag are symbols of good fortune and abundant harvest, the carver likely couldn't help but make them oversized. Carvings with Rice bails this large are quite rare.
The face is also very humble and endearing. Incidentally, when observing old Japanese divine and Buddhist statues, you will notice that many of them have turned dark or black. Daikokuten statues, in particular, are often pitch black. This is because Daikokuten is the god of "food/meals" and was typically enshrined near the cooking area. The statue was thoroughly blackened by the smoke and soot rising from the kamado (hearth) or irori (fireplace). The fact that the soot has rubbed off the bale and the bag is thought to be the result of the figure being touched or stroked by hands during prayer."
To me it seems like the bag was covered in some kind of paper or lacquer. A beautiful worn and old example.
Read more about my meeting with Watanabe San in our Article below.
Measures approx 11cm tall x 6cm wide x 7cm deep.

Let customers speak for us
from 54 reviewsSo 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 !
Item was as described and arrived promptly. I had a cork that actually fitted the hole at top so lucky me! Thank you - looked for one of these in Tokyo and Kyoto a couple months ago but no luck - I went away from tourist areas as well.
The product is amazing and transports you straight back to tradional onsens in Japan. Shipping was surprisingly fast
Loved loved loved it. Amazing service and delivered quickly and with care.
Lovely form, beautiful patina, perfect weight. Handsome appearance looks serene in the room. Kanso finds the most beautiful objects.
I purchased this Vintage hibachi burner for my tea ceremony and it came safely and beautifully. For my first use I made a little mistake that the charcoal was too much and it started a little crack due to the thermal shock. I wish to share so that if someone use this type of vintage hibachi burner, start with small fire and increase with time so that we can avoid the cracks. My hibachi is still look beautiful and still can use with care so I am still happy with the purchase.
Can’t wait to grind roasted sesame seeds in the gorgeous bowl. So beautiful I leave it on display in my kitchen
So pleased with our Hinoki Bath Bucket and Stool. The finish is so good and the hinoki wood is just great for a bathroom.
So easy to order and no problem with delivery. Would highly recommend
I have a love of maple leaves and this is a charmer. What a perfect size to serve olives or some other tasty treat. Candice and Daniel have great eyes for lovely pieces. Thank you once again.
Lovely airy and sweet sandalwood aroma, can burn stick after stick in a small room in the middle of the night and not disturb anyone else and not get overwhelmed by it.
I've tried a fair bit of Japanese incense and this is by far my smoothest experience yet.
Very more-ish. Also, I can't praise Kanso House enough, they are amazing, their service and presentation is beyond impeccable.
Everyone needs a bit more space to tuck things away and this small handsome ko-tansu fits the purpose beautifully. The Japanese are so brilliant designing something that is small, elegant and functional. I'm very pleased with my new helper!
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: $10
- $100-$200 order: $15
- $200+ order: FREE SHIPPING
Standard Post takes 3-8 days to arrive to Australian destinations.
Express Post takes 1-2 days, unless there are delays due to peak postal times (ie Christmas).
You will be notified of any delays from our end (prior to shipping) as soon as possible.
Once shipped, you will receive a tracking number so you can check the AusPost website for arrival details.
More shipping details.
Returns
If you are not satisfied with your purchase or your product is damaged? We’ll take care of it.
The promises we keep:
- 30 days of reflection after receiving the product.
- Need an exchange? We will send you the new product within 4 business days of the day of receipt.
- Would you prefer us to refund your money? We will refund you within 3 days of receipt.
More return details.
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.
We're here to help with any questions
You can chat live using the ? icon in the bottom right of your screen, or email us at hello@kansohouse.com.au and we'll reply within 24 hours.