Bronze figure of Ebisu, considered to be the only one of the Japanese Seven Gods of Fortune without Buddhist or Taoist influence. It is believed that Ebisu was first recognised as a god by fishermen and  in his creation, his origins have became intertwined with the deformed figure of the god Hiruko. Ebizu is known as "the laughing god" and he is the most popular of the seven gods of fortune,  traditionally venerated in almost every Japanese home.
In this bronze he is depicted in his traditional form, wearing a tall hat, holding a rod with a large sea bass under his left arm.
410 mm high.
Undated but probably late nineteenth/early twentieth century.
Good original condition.