Figure of Fukusuke

The large figure that greets our visitors in the foyer of the museum portrays Fukusuke, a Japanese god associated with good luck. Fukusuke represents prosperity and happiness, which he, in the Japanese manner, beckons with the back of his hand facing upward. He can be recognised by his oversized head and his balloon-like ears, which, along with his plump earlobes, are considered a symbol of good fortune. Various stories recount Fukusuke’s origins. He is said to be traceable to a real person – according to one of the stories, a wealthy merchant from Kyoto. This 19th-century figure was produced using a polychromatic Japanese lacquer technique. The urushi lacquer yields an especially smooth, deeply lustrous finish. It is obtained from the resin of the East Asian lacquer tree and is known for its durability. The surface damage on the head of the figure probably began as a small crack in the finish. This allowed moisture to penetrate, causing swelling of the underlying material and flaking of the lacquer.