Fukusuke – 福助 – ‘Lucky boy’ [Folktoy|Charm]

Description

Fukusuke – 福助

• About this charm: Fukusuke dolls are ceramic welcoming charms (see also: Maneki Neko & Shiragaki Tanuki Statues.) they likely originate from the Kyoto area; they are said to bring good luck, longevity & fortune to all who enter shop: Historically, Fukusuke was a particular favourite at tea houses. Fukusuke was at one point apparently used as a means of granting wishes! – Despite his childlike appearance: Fukusuke is actually a fully grown man with baby like face, big head & big lucky ears (Fukumimi: its said that if you are born with big earlobes you’ll one day be rich, the lucky gods have similar ears too) sitting & bowing seiza style.

It seems the doll was once based on a real person and became popular sometime in 1803-1804. – the books I’ve read mention that “he was an incredibly short (midget) Kimono sales person, from Kyoto; or a farmers son (named sataro) who after he was sold to a samurai, was able to marry their maid. –  Marketing himself as a mascot with ceramic figurines, his shop & life was very successful because of it!” – Soon enough everyone was using the mascot as a good luck charm & he became so popular that he was soon worshipped a bit like a god of money. – in old art, fukusuke can often be seen partying with the lucky gods: (particularly, Fukurokujin, Daikoku and Ebisu.) 

– Regardless of Fukusukes exact origins (which frankly seem to be a bit muddy.) to this day, hes still used as a staple lucky front door charm and is associated with good luck and business to this day. 🙂 – Famously fukusuke appears in pompoko, animal crossing pocket camp and on the cover of the Beatles; Sargent peppers lonely hearts!

When i was young: I remember asking an old woman at toy shop (Where i bought my pokemon cards) – what this characters deal was, they told me: – “Uhhh, He’s a cute baby dressed up, so hes lucky i guess.” – so you might imagine my shock when i read that he wasn’t actually a baby!! – (I wonder if many others where mistaken or if he’s just seen as a baby here in the west 🤔)

Sticker Art by @Samkalensky (yo thats me!) – Part of my Night parade of 100 Demons – Yokai & Japanese folklore sticker collection, weather-resistant 4″ Glossy sticker. Check my shop & follow @samkalensky for many more!