Ebisu

Ebisu (恵比寿) is the god of fishermen, of the sea's bounty and of honest trade, and the only one of the Seven Lucky Gods born in Japan. Smiling, round-faced and generous, he is the patron of shopkeepers, and his image watches over countless businesses across the country.

Japanese 恵比寿, 戎, Ebisu; Ebessan in the Kansai
Origin Japanese, identified with Hiruko or Kotoshironushi
Recognise by A tall courtier's cap; a fishing rod in the right hand; a large sea bream under the left arm
Festival Tōka Ebisu, around the 10th of January

Identifying Ebisu

Ebisu wears a tall black court cap, eboshi, and hunting robes. He carries a fishing rod and clasps a red sea bream, tai, whose name echoes the word for joyful, medetai. He is often seated on a rock by the sea. His beaming face and the fish make him unmistakable.

Origins

Ebisu has been identified with Hiruko, the first child of the creator gods, set adrift at sea, who washed ashore and was cared for by fishermen; and with Kotoshironushi, a son of Ōkuninushi, who was fishing when the gods sought him. Nishinomiya Shrine near Kobe is the head of Ebisu shrines, and Imamiya Ebisu in Osaka draws vast crowds at the January festival, when merchants buy bamboo branches hung with lucky charms.

Ebisu and Daikoku

Ebisu of the sea and Daikoku of the land were paired by Edo merchants and farmers as the twin gods of plenty, and figures of the two together are among the most common household lucky gods.

Collecting notes

  • Ebisu figures range from fine carvings and bronzes to folk toys and ceramic shop ornaments. The fishing rod is often lost.
  • Pairs of Ebisu and Daikoku in matching style are particularly desirable.

In the collection

Browse Ebisu figures and the Seven Lucky Gods. Our collector concierge can search Japan for a particular piece.

See also

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