small billiken, japanese billiken lucky god, gold bisque clay billiken
small billiken, japanese billiken lucky god, gold bisque clay billiken
Love Japanese Style Like We Do
A cute ceramic statue of Billiken, ‘The God of Things As They Ought To Be!’ It is good luck to rub the soles of his feet and offer some money to this god who resides in Osaka. A five yen piece is usually offered as it is particularly lucky. The word for five yen in Japanese is "go-en," which also has the double meaning of good luck.
The Billiken figure is made from a bisque clay, painted in a bright lucky gold which has been given an antiqued look. He has a rough, rustic feel and looks nice with other vintage goods.
Display him on a Japanese tray or stand for an interesting interior accent and good fortune.
- measures around 13 cm (5.1”) tall x 9 cm (3.5”) across
- weighs 180 gm.
(listing for Billiken only)
(We have a few of these Billiken figures. There may be slight differences in the shades and markings of the antique gold finish.)
SHIPPING INFORMATION
- please read our shipping policy.
- we use recycle packaging and wrap for safety, rather than appearance.
ABOUT OUR VINTAGE, ANTIQUE AND OTHER ITEMS
We list pieces we feel are worthy of display. There may be scratches, dents, fading and signs of wear and tear. We try to explain the condition of each item exactly, but may miss something.
Information regarding the item and it’s age is obtained from dealers and our personal research. We do our best to give you the correct information but please be aware that we cannot guarantee this information.
Please message us prior to purchase with any questions you may have about our products.
BILLIKEN
Known in Osaka as “The God of Things As They Ought To Be,” Billiken is quite a famous god who can be spotted easily around the city. Many people who visit Osaka take pictures with Billiken statues, place donations around the statues and rub the god’s feet for luck. Billiken has a mischievous smile with pointed elf-like ears, an elongated head and looks quite like a Buddha.
JAPANESE 5 YEN COIN
Many Japanese believe in destiny and good luck. The term "go-en" is connected to seemingly chance encounters that result in long and meaningful relationships. It can often mean a bond formed between people but it can also refer to connections with objects like a car, a piece of artwork, or a house. If you ask a Japanese person how they started their career, how they met their partners, or how they found a wonderful painting. Most answers would be "Go-en ga arimashita". There was "go-en" (good luck) involved and that it was meant to be!
The 5-yen coin in Japan is also called “go-en”. Sounding the same as the “go-en” (good luck), many Japanese people believe a 5-yen coin around helps them find out what destiny has in store for them. It could be a partner, a wonderful job, a wonderful trip, or their dream home. 5 yen coins are used at Japanese shrines and temples as an offering while saying a prayer of thanks or wishing for something in the future. The 5-yen coin helps bring good luck and the serendipity of what is meant to be!