Gods and Demons
Japanese netsuke customers were keen on images of gods who might bring them long life, wealth or happiness.
Many of these gods come from Buddhist and Daoist beliefs which were imported to Japan from China. Other popular figures such as Okame, the goddess of mirth, come from ancient Japanese tales.
Demons are a popular subject in netsuke too, perhaps to remind people of right and wrong or because their bad behaviour seemed amusing.

The Seven Lucky Gods on the Ship of Good Fortune

Myriad Treasures

Symbols of long life

Okame mask

Hannya mask

Fukurokuju

Mask of Ebisu

Hotei

Daruma

Demon with pliers

Demons pelted with beans

Daikoku Chiselling a Mask

Ebisu with a Sea Bream

Hotei sleeping

Yawning Daruma

Demon reading and combing his hair

Shoki, the demon queller
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