Antique 1864 Late Edo Era Japanese Good Luck Scrolls Pair - Daikokuten & Ebisu For Sale

A pair of Japanese scrolls of Dakokuten and his best friend Ebisu.They are dated "Spring, in the year of the Wood Rat on the First year of Genji" (Genji 1 =1864)They were "Painted Reverently by Nijuraku".(Written on the bottom of the Ebisu scroll)We were not able to find this artist "Nijuraku". He was most likely not anyone famous but would be classified as one of the many "Folk Artists" or "craftsmen". Not famous enough to be well known but good enough to make a living selling their art to the common people.
This pair, Daikokuten and Ebisu were almost always painted together. Two of the seven lucky gods they were paired together to bring good luck and prosperity to people's homes.
The late Edo era (In the time this scroll was made) was a chaotic time in Japan's history. Japan had to face the fact they were a poor, almost defenseless country compared to the world they had just been forced to become a part of. Between potential civil war (that happened later), the ending of the ruling family (Tokugawas) that had led Japan for almost 300 years and economic hard times, many people sought out scrolls of these two in the belief they would bring good fortune and stability to their homes.
Daikokuten is sitting on top of rice bales (Ample food) holding his wish granting mallet. He is the god of many kinds of good fortune and luck.The same can be said of Ebisu the god of fishermen, luck and commerce. He's always holding a Sea Breme "Tai in Japanese" (Tai" rhymes with "Medetai" which means auspicious or lucky)
They are both painted in sumi ink on paper. The Ebisu scroll got wet at some time in its history. This can be seen in the close-up photos.They are both 69 x 15 inches in total length width.The artwork only (Honshi) is 40 x 10 1/2 inches.
They have their own original custom made to fit storage box. The top of it has written (Right side) "The revered deity Daikoku". The left side has "The Revered Deity Ebisu".Under that is written "Nifuku" (Two scrolls)
ruma, the originator of Zen Buddhism.There is no date. It's signed; we don't know the signature.From the condition this appears to be mid 1900's.It's painted on Japanese washi paper.The matting around the painting is embroidered silk brocade backed with Japanese washi paper.
The total length / width is 77 x 17 inchesThe artwork in the middle, (the honshi) is 54 1/2 x 13 inches
We have been selling Japanese antiques for 28 years and are shipping from Los AngelesWe have other antique/vintage Japanese items on . Please see our "Other" items.We will combine items for shipping.
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