Netsuke boat

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This netsuke shows seven sailors aboard a boat that is shaped like a sea dragon.

The sailors represent the Seven Gods of Good Fortune. These gods are sometimes called the Seven Gods of Happiness.

The boat they are sailing is called the ‘Takara-bune’ which a mysterious boat with treasure onboard. The boat is said to sail up to the shores of Japan on New Year’s Eve.

Of the seven gods, only one is female. She is called Benten and is the goddess of pity, beauty, love and the sea.

Benten is said to have mermaids for daughters and is often pictured wearing a crown and sitting on a dragon.