The art unit "Hotokeya Sakai," created by the sculptor Gō Sakai and his wife, has gained tremendous acclaim for their series of Buddha figures in the form of cats, known as the "Neko-Butsu" series. The charming yet dignified craftsmanship has become extremely popular both domestically and internationally. Each sculpture, from carving to coloring, is meticulously crafted by hand, resulting in a constant shortage of supply due to the time-consuming production process.
To address this, a new series called "Nyanbuddha" has been developed, ensuring that customers can easily obtain them at any time. Based on the prototype created by sculptor Sakai, production has been entrusted to a top-notch wood carving workshop, maintaining the original quality while achieving an affordable price and stable supply. Thus, a fascinating series that brings healing to the heart and naturally elicits smiles has been born.
Ebisu, Daikokuten, Bishamonten, Benzaiten, Hotei, Jurojin, Fukurokuju—these are the well-known Seven Lucky Gods, collectively known as the Shichifukujin. Originating in the late Muromachi period, the Shichifukujin faith, which is still strongly revered today, emerged from the teachings of the "Ninnō Kyō (Sutra of Benevolent Kings)," proclaiming the doctrine of "Seven Calamities Ceased, Seven Blessings Instantly Arise." The immediate disappearance of seven calamities (1. Unusual events in the sun 2. Unusual events in the stars 3. Wind disasters 4. Water disasters 5. Fires 6. Droughts 7. Theft) and the instant emergence of seven blessings (1. Longevity 2. Prosperity 3. Popularity 4. Integrity 5. Love and harmony 6. Dignity 7. Abundance) reflects the enduring desires of the common people, then and now.
Invite the prosperous and adorable Seven Lucky Gods in the form of cats—Cat Fukujin-sama—to your home and grasp everlasting prosperity and great fortune!
In Japanese Buddhism, Bishamonten, also known as Tamon-ten among the Four Heavenly Kings, is the only one among the Seven Lucky Gods depicted as a formidable deity in the form of a warrior. Holding a treasure-studded club in his right hand and a pagoda in his left, Bishamonten is revered for defeating evil spirits and dispelling malevolent energies that threaten noble households. He is believed to guide and fulfill various wishes for those who seek his protection.