A palm-sized wooden carving of Daikokuten, created as an officially approved reproduction of the rarely seen “Hidden Buddha” image preserved at Hase-dera (Hasedera) Temple in Kamakura.
This compact figure is distinguished by a gentle, composed expression and a notably large lucky bag, with careful hand coloring that gives the piece a quiet sense of presence despite its small scale. Each statue includes a prayer card certifying that prayers have been completed at Hase-dera.
About this piece
This work is a small wood carving made from hinoki (Japanese cypress) and finished with hand-applied coloring. It is modeled after the Daikokuten statue enshrined at Hase-dera (Kaikō-zan Jishō-in Hase-dera), a historic Kamakura temple founded in 736; the temple’s original image is designated a cultural asset by the city of Kamakura and is traditionally associated with Kōbō Daishi, with an ink inscription dated 1412 indicating it was made or repaired in the Muromachi period. The “Hidden Buddha” form exists because the temple’s Daikokuten is not ordinarily displayed to the public; this reproduction was created under official approval so the features of that preserved image—especially its calm smile and overall proportions—can be encountered in a faithful, scaled format.
Cultural note
In Japan, Daikokuten is widely revered as a deity of good fortune, closely associated with prosperity, abundant harvests, and the well-being of the household—often with a special connection to kitchens and daily sustenance. Images like this are commonly approached as more than decoration: people tend to keep them in a clean, settled place, treat them with care, and handle them with calm intention (for example, avoiding casual placement on the floor or in clutter). When displayed, it is customary to think in terms of offering a respectful “seat” for the figure—simple, tidy, and undisturbed—rather than treating it as an ordinary object.
Details
- Size: H 76 × W 76 × D 110 mm; Weight: 130 g
- Material: Hinoki (Japanese cypress)
- Origin: Made in China
Placement & care
- Choose a clean, stable surface where the figure can be seen and appreciated without being crowded by other items.
- Avoid placing it directly on the floor; a small stand, shelf, or dedicated space is a common, respectful approach.
- Keep away from direct sunlight, high humidity, and strong heat sources to help preserve the wood and painted finish.
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth; avoid water, alcohol, or abrasive cleaners on the surface.
Shipping timeline
- Ships within 2–3 business days.
