Width: 43cms
Height: 29cms
£POA - What does POA mean?
Product Code: KPME97
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A spectacular Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912) bronze and multimetal model of the Takarabune, treasure ship of the seven lucky gods. It features an impressive dragon figure head and moulded waves with silver tips to the sides, giving the impression it is riding through the waves. An amusing fo dog appears to be wedged in the back of the boat guarding the rudder.
On the deck of the ship sits an elaborate structure resembling a two story house, although this model boat is fantastical creation it bears a resemblance to the Gozabune, state barges which were used as transport by the Shogun (hereditary military leaders).
Perhaps at one time this model played host to a set of seven lucky god figurines, models and images of the Takarabune were and still are very popular in Japan, and are often displayed at New Years, it’s believed they will bring prosperity to the household.
The boat sits on a simple carved wood stand resembling a dock.
Takarabune
The Takarabune is a legendary Japanese ship and transport of the Seven Lucky Gods, it’s usually depicted as a small rather chunky boat, with a single large sail, though there are versions that lack a sail and more closely resemble the luxury Gozebune houseboats of the Shogun.
It almost always has a dragon figurehead, occasionally a bird, and is usually elaborately decorated, often the Seven Lucky Gods can be seen aboard, the boat laden with their treasures known as Takaramono.
These consist of; The Hat of Invisibility, The Lucky Raincoat, The Sacred Key, The Inexhaustible Purse, The Precious Jewel, The Clove, Scrolls, The Hammer of Chaos, The Weight, Rolls of Silk, a Coin, Coral, a Cowrie Shell, a Fruit, a Feather Robe, a Harp and a Fan. Depending on the artists interpretation even more objects are sometimes added!
The origins of the Takarabune are vague, but many religions throughout the world have some sort of ‘heavenly vessel’ often a boat, in which Gods traverse the heavenly and mortal realms. Interestingly in Japanese mythology this link is a bridge, which leads to the alternative theory that the origins of the boat are linked to trade or returning voyagers bringing back rare and exciting new goods. This certainly fits with the cargo of the Takarabune.
Images and models of the Takarabune are popular in Japan especially at New Years, they are lucky and believed to bring prosperity. People often put pictures of the boat under their pillows in the hope that it will bring good times for the year ahead.
Seven Lucky Gods
In Japan the seven lucky gods or seven gods of fortune grant good luck and are often represented as a group or on their own in Japanese art. There are seven gods but sometimes only six will be depicted as Jurojin and Fukurokuju share the same origin.
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