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Seven lucky gods
Ivory Carvings of Seven Lucky Gods?
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Ebisu | Bishamonten | Daikoku | Benzaiten | Fukurokuju | JUROJIN | Hotei

According to the Japanese mythology, the Seven Lucky Gods or Seven Gods of Fortune as they are commonly referred to are a popular theme of Netsuke and ivory sculptures. Intertwined in the folklores of Japan, the Seven Lucky Gods are:

Ebisu - Often depicted with a sea bream is the God of fishermen and merchants
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Bishamonten - is the revered God of Warriors.
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Daikoku - is the most popular God of wealth, trade and commerce. Paired with Ebisu both Gods are represented on masks, carvings and Netsuke.
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Benzaiten - is the Goddess of art, beauty, knowledge and music.
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Fukurokuju - is God of happiness, longevity and prosperity.
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JUROJIN - is the God of Wisdom and intellect.
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Hotei - is the fat God of Abundance and good health.
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With changing cultural milieu, the transition of Chinese legends and folklores were transmitted to Japan. This included the Seven Lucky Gods except Ebisu. But in Japanese folklores and mythology, a variety of deities represent a multitude of different things in different regions. The usual ivory representation of the Seven Gods is on the ‘Treasure ship’ or Takarabune.

As the legend goes, they are considered to visit on New Year and present gifts to good citizens, while the children get token money envelops stamped with Takarabune.

There are various ivories used to carve the Seven Lucky Gods in a range of sizes and much in demand all over the world. Mammoth ivory is the most delicate and exquisite medium used to carve the Seven Gods of Fortune. This ivory procured from the extinct Woolly Mammoth that existed 10,000 years ago are now being excavated from the permafrost of Siberia and Arctic to be utilized in making precious ivory sculptures. Large pieces of ivory are sliced into thin sheets that are perfect for hand painting by eminent artists.

There are also other materials that are used to carve the figurines of Seven Lucky Gods especially whale tooth. There are many scrimshaws that are available with many sketching of the lucky gods.

Although when Mammoth ivory is excavated, getting a full tusk of a mammoth is a rarity and usually big chunks are the normal find. Japanese artists carve delicately on the surface as higher pressure can lead to chipping. No piece of mammoth ivory is wasted due to the rarity of the find. From carved Netsuke of Ebisu to the full mammoth tusk of the Seven Lucky Gods, there are a variety of options to suit all budgets. So, owning a piece of history has become affordable.

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IvoryAndArt Resources

Happy New Year - Year of the Dragon 2012!

Amongst all the Chinese signs, Dragon is the best year to be born in. Endowed with natural good luck and strength, these individuals are well liked and respected by all. The Dragon is a perfectionist, detailed and very enthusiastic. According to the legends of China, the Dragon holds mystic powers of flying to the Heavens and has the ability to swim in the sea, making it sound invincible.

The mystical Dragon is ranked high as a noble, in the hierarchy of Chinese Zodiac animals. A natural born leader, Dragon is perfect as a child and a responsible adult.

The mystical Dragon is ranked high as a noble, in the hierarchy of Chinese Zodiac animals. A natural born leader, Dragon is perfect as a child and a responsible adult. Amongst all the Chinese signs, Dragon is the best year to be born in. Endowed with natural good luck and strength, these individuals are well liked and respected by all.
Read all article about YEAR Of The Dragon

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Mammoth ivory, Elephant Ivory - real or fake?

There is always a fear that the ivory sculpture that you bought might turn out to be a fake, because as a layman you may not be able to differentiate between a clever replicas and real ivory. However, with experience in this field and handling nearly all types of ivory, it becomes easy to differentiate just by seeing it.

Even though pure ivory can be of various quality and types, the fake ivory is made from resins. The powder that is left after sawing/carving ivory or remnants from bone sculptures are not wasted but all added to resins, put into molds.

Mammoth ivory tusk

The sculptures are then cleaned and then dipped in dark hued stains that give them the brownish tinge. There is always a difference in weight between a resin ivory and real ivory as real ivory is very heavy...Read all article about your Mammoth Ivory fake or real?

Browse our beautifully Mammoth Ivory Collection

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