Fukurokuju

Fukurokuju (福禄寿) carries in his name the three great wishes of Chinese tradition: fuku, happiness; roku, prosperity and rank; and ju, long life. A Daoist sage linked with the southern star of longevity, he joined the Seven Lucky Gods as their scholar and elder.

Japanese 福禄寿, Fukurokuju
Origin Chinese Daoist tradition
Recognise by A very tall, domed head; a short body; a staff with a scroll; a crane, sometimes a tortoise
Brings Happiness, prosperity and long life

Identifying Fukurokuju

The towering forehead is unmistakable, rising high above a small, smiling face and a long beard, a sign of great wisdom. Fukurokuju carries a staff hung with a scroll and is often attended by a crane, the bird of a thousand years. Carvers and netsuke makers delighted in exaggerating his head, and humorous prints show barbers climbing ladders to shave it.

Fukurokuju and Jurōjin

Both are Daoist elders of longevity linked with the same star, and they are sometimes considered two forms of one god. In general, Fukurokuju has the elongated head and the crane, while Jurōjin has a more normal head, a deer and often a peach or fan. Some lists of the seven gods drop Jurōjin and include Kichijōten.

Collecting notes

  • Fukurokuju is a favourite of netsuke and okimono carvers, and of Kutani and Satsuma porcelain painters.
  • Figures of him alone are often given for long-life birthdays, such as the sixtieth and seventy-seventh.

In the collection

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

See also

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