This is an auspicious figurine of the Seven Lucky Gods riding on a treasure boat. It also has a cushion made of a gorgeous red and gold brocade and a wooden plaque with "Kutani Shichifukujin kurofune" (Kutani seven lucky gods black ship) written in kanji.

This item is individually decorated with a painting technique called mori-e, which is similar to slip trailing.

In ancient Japan, it was believed that happiness would come from a foreign land beyond the sea. It is also said that a story spread around the Edo period (c. 1603-1867) that if you sleep with a picture of the Seven Lucky Gods on a treasure boat under your pillow on New Year's Day, the second day of the New Year, or Setsubun night, you will have a good first dream.

The names of the gods on the boat are as follows, starting from the left of the picture.

Daikokuten- God of property and holds a mallet.

Bishamonten -God of protection and wears armor.

Hotei- Godof fortune and marital bliss, holding a fan.

Fukurokuju- God of longevity andholds a jewel in one hand and a walking stick in the other.

Benzaiten-One of the patron deities in Buddhism, originally a Hindu goddess. She is also characterized by her biwa (musical instrument).

Jurojin- God of longevity, holding a walking stick.

Ebisu- God of commerce and holds a sea bream representing a big catch.