Most of the figurines are related to religion, either Buddhist or Shintoist and often found their origin in China or Korea.
Benton
Goddess of music, she is the only female of the 7 Gods of fortune.
Bishamon
One of the 7 Gods of fortune.
Daikoku
One of the 7 Gods of fortune.God of wealth. He wears hood, holding a carrying
bag in his right hand.When shaken, the bag is supposed to grant all wishesHe
also carry a treasure bag on his back and
sit on rice balls
Duck
A pair of Mandarin ducks is often given as marriage present. They will bring
fidelity and happy long life.
Ebisu
One of the 7 Gods of fortune, he is represented with a sea bream.
Fukurokuju
God of wisdom. He is also one of the 7 Gods of fortune.
Hotei
Japanese Hotei or Buddha is the most popular and favorite Japanese household
god. He is represented in many different positions generally with a big belly
and smiling. He often carries a treasure bag with gifts for the children. He
is also one of the 7 Gods of fortune.
Jurojin
God of wisdom . He is represented with a long head which contains his heavy
brain. He is represented with a deer, a crane, or a turtle. He is also one of
the 7 Gods of fortune.
Kannon - Goddess of Mercy
The Bodhisattva Kannon is one of the most popular Buddhist goddess in Japan
and China. In Buddhism a Bodhisattva is someone who has achieved six of ten
perfections through previous lives, and is approaching actual Buddahood. Bodhisattvas
chose to remain in the world in order to help and protect humanity. Kannon has
appeared long throughout the history of Japanese Art.
Karajishi Lion
Japanese Lions are called Karajishi. They found their origin in China during
Tang Dynasty. At that time people had not generally seen lions and they could
only imagine a terrible animal. Karajishi is believed to be born from a dragon.
Karajishi is placed at the entrance of a home to protect against devils and bring good luck. A lion with its paw resting on a ball is a male, whereas the female protects a cub with its foreleg.
Koma Inu
Japanese Koma Inu are also called Temple Dogs as you find them always at the
entrance of temple.
Neko
Porcelain Maneki Neko is very popular in Japan. If Neko has the right paw up,
he brings luck, in the case of the left paw he brings money to the house.
7 Gods of good fortune
Their are also called the 7 household Gods or the 7 happy Gods. Their names
are Hotei, Benton, Bishamon, Daikoku, Ebisu, Fukurokiju and Jurojin..