Fukurokuju, the God of Wisdom and Longevity, smiles upon us here. He is one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan, the Shichi-fuku-jin. He embodies happiness, wealth, and a long life, his very name derived from these blessings: fuku (happiness), roku (wealth), and ju (longevity). Fukurokuju’s origins trace back to ancient China. Some believe he is a Japanese interpretation of three Chinese star gods combined into one. Others say he was a hermit during the Song Dynasty, perhaps even a reincarnation of a Taoist deity. Here at Fukurokuju’s shrine, he is often depicted as a short, old man. He has a remarkably high, domed head, often bald, and long, flowing whiskers. He sometimes carries a staff. Tied to this staff is a sacred scroll. This scroll is said to contain either the lifespan of every person on Earth or a powerful magical scripture. Fukurokuju is often accompanied by symbols of longevity: a crane, a tortoise, or sometimes a black deer, said to achieve that dark hue only after living for over two thousand years. Of the Seven Lucky Gods, Fukurokuju alone is said to hold the power of resurrection. He is a god of great wisdom and the promise of a long and prosperous life.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to