Ebisu. 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.

Ebisu (yap. 恵比須, 夷, 戎 Ebisu, yap. 蛭子 Akahirako, yap. 蛭児 Hiraji) is one of the seven gods of good luck in Shintoism, the god of fishing, ocean and labor, as well as the guardian of the health of all young children. The deity of honest labor and trade, the patron saint of peasants. The only one of the Seven Gods of Happiness who is of Japanese origin.

The name Ebisu comes from the term “foreigner” or “barbarian” and, as many believe, refers us to the times when the early gods hoped to help acquire pragmatic communication skills with those who arrived from distant countries.

Ebisu is also considered the god of the dawn and the protector of children.

Ebisu, daikoku and Fukurokuju is also called "three gods of success".

The meaning of netsuke Ebisu. Ebisa is depicted with a Tai fish. This fish is sacred and it is believed that it brings good luck and promotes spiritual achievements. According to legend, it is very difficult to catch Tai fish with bare hands in clear water, and it is also difficult to achieve spiritual harmony, tranquility and enlightenment. In addition, sometimes Ebisa is revered as the patron saint of fishermen.

Elk horn – natural noble bone. Eco-friendly material unique in its value. Moose shed their horns every year. Collected in the forest, they store the vital heat, and since ancient times are the most popular natural raw materials for artistic processing.