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

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.