Sake container in the shape of Otafuku carrying a double-gourd - Gilt lacquered wood - Japan - Meiji period (1868-1912)

Sake container in the shape of Otafuku carrying a double-gourd - Gilt lacquered wood - Japan - Meiji period (1868-1912) A Japanese Gilt Lacquered figure of Otafuku. Japan, Meiji period, 19th century. A Lacquered sake bottle in the form of Otafuku, with large cheeks and a joyful smile, wearing an elaborately decorated kimono and carrying a large double gourd flask over her shoulder. Height: 8 inch / 20. 3 cm Footnote: Otafuku is a popular figure in Japanese folk tales. Often depicted with large cheeks and a joyful smile, her name translates to “much good fortune” or “plenty of happiness”. She is known as a goddess of mirth in the Shinto religion.