Do you know about Seven Lucky Gods? In Japanese mythology, the Seven Lucky gods or Seven gods of Fortune are believed to grant good luck.
![](https://ryugendo.jp/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/04/gehou-no-hashigosori002.jpeg)
One of them, Fukurokuju is the God of wisdom and longevity and has an elongated head.
![](https://ryugendo.jp/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/04/gehou-no-hashigosori003.jpeg)
And Daikokuten is very popular as a syncretic Japanese deity of fortune and wealth.
![](https://ryugendo.jp/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/04/gehou-no-hashigosori001.jpeg)
Daikoku-ten climbing a ladder to reach the top of Fukurokuju’s elongated head to aid in shaving. This motif is from Ōtsu-e.
Tattooist Ryugen
Ōtsu-e
Known as pictures from Ōtsu; A waypoint for travelers between Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) It is a comic form of folk art which gained popularity in the 1600’s
While often humorous in nature they also often served a morally didactic purpose. Featuring motifs that are readily recognized even today.
Here Daikokuten ( the deity of fortune) with his characteristic short legs is seen climbing a ladder to reach the top of Fukurokuju’s ( the deity of longevity) elongated head to aid in shaving. The two are both members of the seven lucky gods and are often featured together.
Famous examples of Ōtsu-e include
•Demons portrayed as monks collecting alms
•Demons taking a bath (Many wash the body but not the mind)
•A blind musician using his walking stick to fend off a dog who bites at his trailing sash (intended as a warning against being caught unaware, the loose sash is representative of a “loose” or unfocused mind)
Horisuzu