Takarabune (宝船)
The takarabune, or treasure ship, carries the seven gods of good fortune (七福神/ Shichi Fukujin) into ports on New Year's Eve to distribute treasure. For this reason, it is associated with New Year festivities. It is also associated with good fortune in business, particularly for merchants and urban workers. The takarabune is usually depicted as a Chinese-style ship with a single mast and a sail adorned with the character for good fortune. It is also often paired with a crane and/or turtle (Ashkenazi 2003:247-249, 266; Gorham 1971:223). Ashkenazi (2003:247-249) calls the Takarabune one of the most commonly displayed mythological images in modern Japan.
Interior View
Item Record