Origin : Japan
Made of : porcelain - potery
Classification : creatures / people
Maker : ?
About "Ebisu" (ebisu, yebisu - 恵比須 or 恵比寿 or 夷 or 戎) :
Ebisu is one of the seven gods of fortune. He is a fisherman and protects workers and small children. He is represented with a plumpy body, a fishing rod and a large fish.
In Tokyo, the Ebisu neighbourhood (Shibuya) is named after the beer company Yebisu which mascot is the Ebisu god since 1890.
About "Shichi Fukujin - seven gods of fortune" (shichi Fukujin - 七福神) :
The seven gods of fortune are traditional divinities of the Japanese folklore. Each of them has special characteristics.
1. Hotei, god of abundance and good health
2. Jurōjin, god of longevity
3. Fukurokuju, god of happiness, wealth and longevity
4. Bishamonten, god of warriors
5. Benzaiten (Benten-sama), goddess of knowledge, art and beauty, especially music
6. Daikokuten (Daikoku), god of wealth, commerce and trade.
7. Ebisu, god of fishers or merchants
The seven gods of fortune travel on a ship called the treasure ship 'Takarabune'.
On New Year children receive money in an envelope which has often the picture of the seven gods printed on.