This
box is made in the studio of master craftsman Honna Homna. It is not signed. This box
takes only 2 moves to open. There are two compartments inside- the lower compartment can
be used to hold folded paper money, while coins will fill the top compartment. The coin
slot on top is covered - purely a decorative detail. The Ebisu Bank
has a smooth working mechanism and comes with an opening instruction diagram. It has a
superior finish. The zougan marquetry picture on the front of the box is very fine work.
To see this box opened, click here - then
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The zougan marquetry picture on the front of this bank box
shows the two popular shinto gods Daikoku and Ebisu.
Daikoku is known as the shinto god of happiness and prosperity and the guardian of
farmers. Generally portrayed with a rice bale, protruding stomach and cheerful expression.
Sometimes rats will be eating from the rice. He is of such wealth and good cheer that he
cares not at all about the rats. He carries a mallet that can grant wishes to mortals. His
treasure is slung over his back in a sack In rural areas, he is known as the god of
rice fields. He holds a mallet in one hand and a bag of rice in the other. He is
also standing on more bags of rice. When he shakes his mallet, the bags of rice
become more full.
Ebisu is known as the shinto god of savings and money. His domain is of good honest
labor. He is the patron of fisherman and tradesman. He holds a red snapper fish (sea
bream) under one arm and a fishing rod in the other. The yellow bricks in the front are,
what else? . . . gold!
