布袋和尚与弁才天的神像，七福神 - 石 - 日本 - 大正時期（1912-1926）

These are figurines of Hotei and Benzaiten, two of the Seven Lucky Gods.
They are thought to be around 100-150 years old.

Hotei, one of the Seven Lucky Gods revered in Japan for bringing blessings and wealth, was a Zen monk who lived in present-day Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China, during the Tang Dynasty. Originally a deity from China, he is believed to bring fortune and happiness. He is depicted carrying a large sack, which is thought to be filled with luck and wealth. Additionally, Hotei symbolizes poverty and teaches that true happiness is found by living lightly without unnecessary possessions.

Hotei, also known as Budai, was a Zen monk who lived during the late Tang Dynasty and into the Five Dynasties period. He is sometimes regarded as an incarnation of Maitreya Bodhisattva. Always smiling and approachable, he is said to have carried a large sack filled with treasures, which he bestowed upon devout believers.

Legend has it that Hotei wandered through the streets with his large sack, soliciting alms and collecting food and other donations from people, which he stored in his sack as he walked. It is said that his appearance and name originated from his practice of receiving alms in this manner.

Hotei is revered in Japan for bringing blessings and wealth. He is believed to bring luck, marital harmony, fertility, and prosperity. Additionally, he is associated with increased financial fortune, career advancement, good relationships, and thriving businesses.

Protection and Guidance: The staff symbolizes the role of Hotei in protecting and guiding believers. It is seen as a support during challenging times in the journey of life, offering safety and guidance.

Prosperity in Business: As Hotei is revered as a deity of business prosperity, the staff may be associated with commercial success and flourishing enterprises.

Symbol of Good Fortune: The staff is often considered a symbol of good fortune, believed to bring luck and contribute to a happy and fulfilling life.

Safe Travels: Given Hotei's role as a guardian deity of travel, the staff can also represent a wish for safety and good fortune during journeys.

"Shichifukujin 七福神（The Seven Lucky Gods）" refer to the seven deities: Ebisu恵比寿, Daikokuten大黒天, Bishamonten毘沙門天, Benzaiten弁財天, Hotei布袋, Fukurokuju福禄寿, and Jurojin寿老人.
These deities symbolize sacred powers such as luck, prosperity, and longevity in the traditional beliefs of Japan.

Benzaiten 弁財天 is a goddess in Buddhism and Shintoism, and is widely worshipped as a god associated with wealth, art, music, learning, and water. Its origins lie in the Hindu goddess Saraswati** from India. This goddess was introduced to China and Japan through Buddhism, and in Japan she came to be called Benzaiten or Benzaiten.

Characteristics and symbols
Meaning of the name
"Benzaiten 弁才天" represents her character as a goddess of intelligence and skill, while "Benzaiten 弁財天" emphasizes her aspect as a goddess who brings wealth and prosperity.
Appearance and possessions

She is often depicted as a beautiful woman holding a biwa, but sometimes she appears as an eight-armed (eight-armed) or snake god.
The white snake is considered to be Benzaiten's messenger and a symbol of good fortune.
Benefits

Wealth: She is worshipped by merchants and businessmen as a goddess who brings wealth and prosperity.
Arts and learning: She is also worshipped by artists and students as a goddess of music, art, and learning.
Guardian of water: She is also worshipped as a water goddess and is often enshrined in lakes, rivers, and ponds.

Main role as a deity
Benzaiten is also known as one of the Seven Lucky Gods, and is enshrined in many shrines and temples, especially as a symbol of art and wealth.

Representative temples and shrines that enshrine Benzaiten
Ejima Shrine (Kanagawa Prefecture): One of the centers of Benzaiten worship.
Chikubushima Shrine (Shiga Prefecture): A place closely related to water.
Itsukushima Shrine (Hiroshima Prefecture): Benzaiten is enshrined as the guardian deity of the sea.

Hotei
Height 18.4 cm
Width 11.2 cm
Depth 9.8 cm
Weight 1700 g

Benzaiten
Height 19.6 cm
Width 9.6 cm
Depth 7.1 cm
Weight 600 g


Condition:
The condition is relatively good. There are scratches, stains, scuffs, and discoloration, but no major damage. It was stored at home. There are also many photos, so please take a look.

Atention:
The items listed for sale are all used collectibles. Please consider them to have signs of aging, such as stains, scratches, scuffs, tears, discoloration, fading, fraying, and changes in thread color. We will post as many photos as possible to make it easy to understand. As these are old items, we appreciate your understanding before making a purchase.

Shipping:
The lot will be carefully packaged and shipped from Japan.
We will use either DHL or FedEx for a safe and secure transportation. It usually takes about 2-3 weeks for delivery, and the package will be shipped with a tracking number.
Import duties, taxes, VAT, and any other charges are not included in the item price and shipping cost. Please check your country's import duties before bidding.

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