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Fukurokuju is the Japanese god of happiness and long life. In this charming statue, he seems to epitomize both those qualities: his face wears a cheerful smile, while his flowing beard suggests his advanced age. It was considered lucky to rub the god's high forehead, and indeed the bronze shows the patina of the human touch. This splendid statue shows the abstract beauty of form for which Japanese arts are famous, but also an intricate attention to detail. The god radiates an aura of joyful benevolence, as if all who come near him will be likewise blessed with many years of happiness. - (FZ.230)
Antiquities
Ancient Asian
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