Kanso House
Antique Japanese Carved Daikoku Figure - 01
Antique Japanese Carved Daikoku Figure - 01
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0/5.0 star reviews
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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 29 reviewsThis is a beautiful piece and surprisingly larger than expected. Adore it.
I do look for the unusual decorative pieces and Kanso House do not disappoint.

Beautiful quality pottery, looks great, works well.

Absolutely delighted with the aroma of this lovely Sandalwood incense. I liked it so much much I bought two boxes which should last me for a good while. Thanks again!

This charming little Drama is sitting on my desk keeping me company and I imagine he will be sitting there for a very long time. Another winner from Kanso House. Thank you!

I haven't been into Matcha that much before now. This, with a small amount of maple syrup to sweeten is a lovely way to start the day. I will buy again! Thank you

Item was as described and delivered quickly. Very happy with purchase.

Once again Kanso Houses package arrived in perfect condition. Inside wrapped with perfect care was the exquisite Iron Temple Dog Koro - Incense burner. Beautifully crafted, charmingly fun It is just perfect to me. Thank you Kanso House for your excellent taste and feel for the Japanese aesthetic .

Just as these Sakē Cups caught my eye online, they are having the same effect on people now they are in use at the dinner table. Along with their attractive appearance, their texture makes them comfortable to hold, and the lip feels right in contact with the mouth. I would probably have preferred the red cups, but because they were out of stock, I was happy to take three black ones, the only number available at the time. My plan is to buy more when they come back into syock.

The beauty that is Kanso House is they present items that are so unbelievably unique . This 'Yawning Daruma' is one such item . Such a treat to have in my home .

Delighted with this charming example of Japanese folk art. Otafuku's face and body is beautifully sculpted to form this hibachi. Arrived very carefully wrapped. Kanso House has a fine eye for quality objects. Thank you so much once again.

Love our new Japanese Bath Stool. Helps create a tranquil bathroom retreat.

A face only a parent could love… such a beautiful piece, with the celadon green done no justice by a photograph alone. Packaged with care, arrived in a timely fashion. Perched on my bookshelf next to a wonderful sake bottle I purchased alongside it.

This is my second purchase from Kanso House and I was so pleased with the first I came back for another. I have always liked the figure and story of Daikoku and was so pleased to see this very fine figure listed. The size is quite impressive and very nicely carved and has a lovely patina. The package arrived quickly and very professionally wrapped. Plus a nice note was enclosed. Thank you both for this handsome figure to add to my collection.

This blend of sandalwood is perfection. Subtle and fragrant. Beautifully presented on delivery. Bravo

I was intrigued by this temple , its story, its simplicity. I am thrilled with it in my home .


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
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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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