The Seven Lucky Gods (Shichi Fukujin in Japanese) were venerated in Japan since the ancient times, coming from several different religions: Hinduism, Taoism, Buddhism and Shinto.
It is believed that the Buddhist priest Tenkai, who was the tutor of Iemitsu, the grandson of Tokugawa Ieyasu, selected this group to create a quintessence of the essential virtues of the man. The 7 gods, painted on this ema votive plaque are, from left to right Fukurokuju, Jurōjin, Daikokuten, Bishamonten, Benzaiten, Hotei and Ebisu.
Click on photo for higher resolution:
If you want to license my photos for commercial use, please contact me
EXIF Info:
|
 |
Yesterday’s Japan Photo:Omikuji at Yasaka Shrine |
