Japanese "Seven Gods of Fortune" Bracelet
The Seven Lucky Gods, or Seven Gods of Fortune, are seven mythological characters believed to grant good luck. This silver bracelet, made in Japan, is set with finely painted porcelain panels each depicting one of the seven gods: Hotei, Jurōjin, Fukurokuju, Bishamonten, Benzaiten, Daikokuten, and Ebisu.
"They all began as remote and impersonal gods, but gradually became much closer canonical figures for certain professions and Japanese arts. The worship of this group of gods is also due to the importance of the number seven in Japan, supposedly a signifier of good luck.
These gods have been recognized as such for over a thousand years. In the beginning, these gods were worshiped by merchants as the first two (Ebisu and Daikokuten) were gods of business and trade.
Subsequently, other classes of Japanese society looked for gods that could correspond with their professions: Benzaiten as the patron of the arts, Fukurokuju as the patron of the sciences, and so on.
In ancient times, these gods were worshiped separately, but this rarely happens today – only when it is required for the god to act on behalf of the applicant.
The Seven Gods of Fortune started being mentioned as a collective in the year 1420 in Fushimi, in order to imitate the processions of the daimyōs, the feudal lords of pre-modern Japan.
It is said that the Buddhist priest Tenkai selected these gods after speaking with the shōgun he served, Iemitsu Tokugawa, at the order of seeking whoever possessed the perfect virtues: longevity, fortune, popularity, sincerity, kindness, dignity, and magnanimity."
[Source: Wikipedia]
Era: Vintage, circa 1940
Length: 8 inches
Width: 2.0cm
Marks: Stamped SILVER, Toshikane Japan Maker's Mark
Condition: Great vintage condition
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This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable).
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain).
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Condition
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