Kanso House
Antique Japanese Carved Ebisu Figure - 03
Antique Japanese Carved Ebisu Figure - 03
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0/5.0 star reviews
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A charming antique 19th-20th Century Ebisu 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 Ebisu Sculpture:
"This is a wooden statue of Ebisu-sama, a deity who has been worshipped since ancient times as the god of fishing. He is also believed to preside over business prosperity and a bountiful harvest, making him one of the most famous deities in Japan, known by everyone. He is considered great friends with Daikokuten, who carries a large sack and a small mallet, and the two are often enshrined together.
This particular Ebisu-sama carving possesses a highly unusual feature: its back is significantly hollowed out or scooped out.
I have handled over 300 Ebisu and Daikokuten figures, yet I have never seen an Ebisu statue like this.
Consequently, the reason why the back was carved out remains unknown. However, a close look at the back suggests that the hollowing looks like some kind of pattern. It appears to have been carved with specific intent, rather than just being simply hollowed out. It could be that the back may have been carved as a charm or a magical/ritualistic pattern.
I also offer another hypothesis: the indentation on the back is shaped similarly to the sack carried by Daikokuten. It is possible that the statues were meant to be enshrined back-to-back. While the true reason may never be known, this is a wonderful piece that inspires a great deal of speculation."
I personally love the expression on this one and the face of the fish he is holding. The scalloped detail on the base is also very pleasing. This one is definitely a mingei folk art piece, not carved by a master which makes it even more charming.
Measures 11.5cm x 9cm wide x 4.5cm 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
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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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