A silver model of Jurojin
A silver model of Jurojin

MEIJI PERIOD (LATE 19TH CENTURY), SIGNED JOMI SEI (JOMI EISUKE II; 1839-1899)

Details
A silver model of Jurojin
Meiji period (late 19th century), signed Jomi sei (Jomi Eisuke II; 1839-1899)
Finely cast and chiseled as Jurojin (God of Longevity) dancing with one hand holding his robe, the bronze stand with three feet cast as auspicious fungus; the signature on base
5 5/8 in. (14.3 cm) high

Lot Essay

Jurojin (Shoulao) is the Daoist god of longevity and a popular deity in Japanese mythology. Usually he is depicted as a benevolent old gentleman with a prominent skull, sometimes accompanied by a crane or deer. In Chinese belief, the fungus shown on this vase symbolizes longevity with wish-granting potency. The Chinese word for bamboo is a homophone for the word "congratulations." Because it is evergreen and strong when it matures, the bamboo also stands for vitality and long life.

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