Antique Kai-Awase Shichifukujin 7 Lucky Gods Motif 4-Shell Nesting Style Edo

Four kai-awase, each made from a natural clamshell Jp. Meretrix lusoria , with the exterior of each shell pair featuring a hand-painted polychrome depiction of one of the Shichifukujin (7 Lucky Gods) and the interior surface finished in gold lacquer. Minor old loss to the gold lacquer and polychrome as well as very minor chipping to the shell edges. Width of largest shell: 6.5 cm (2.6 in) Depth: 5 cm (2.0 in) Height: 3.5 cm (1.4 in) Packaged weight: 1 kg (2 lb).

Japan's Shichifukujin (7 Lucky Gods) comprise Bishamonten, Daikokuten, Fukurokuju, Hotei, Ebisu, Jurojin, and Benzaiten. In the nesting-doll-style set of kai-awase on offer herein, only Bishamonten, Daikokuten, Fukuokuju, and Hotei are present, and, moreover, the Hotei piece lacks one half of its two-part shell. Accordingly, this set is precisely one half of the original complete 7-shell set.

Even so, a delightful, and extraordinarily uncommon, example of kai-awase culture. This item is in the category "Antiques\Asian Antiques\Japan\Other Japanese Antiques". The seller is "byronm-smith" and is located in this country: JP.

Region of Origin: Japan
Age: 1800-1849
Primary Material: Natural clamshells with gilt and polychrome
Original/Reproduction: Antique Original
Color: Multi-Color