Bishamonten. Netsuke carved from bone

The miniature is cut from the solid base of a moose horn with tinting.

Netsuke is a miniature sculpture, a work of decorative and applied art, which is a small carved keychain. The figure can be implemented as an okimono — without holes for the cord.

Bisyamon-ten (Japanese) or Bisyamon (Japanese) is one of the seven gods of good luck in Shintoism. Originally the Indian god Vaishravana, a character in the famous epic "Mahabharata". He commands the northern part of the world and is the keeper of immeasurable riches.

In Buddhism, this god was revered as one of the "four heavenly kings" standing on the top of Mount Sumeru and guarding the heavens from all four sides of the world. Statues of these four gods are an integral attribute of many Buddhist temples in Japan. They are placed either within the gates leading to the temple, or around the main shrine, or in the corners of the room for rituals.

According to Japanese beliefs, Bisyamon not only stores untold riches, but also contributes to their multiplication. Thanks to this, in Japan, he enjoys the greatest love among the four guardian gods and receives the greatest number of honors. Due to his distinction among the heavenly kings, Bisyamon became a full member of the international group of gods of happiness.