In Japan, people have cherished a wide variety of auspicious objects since ancient times, expressing wishes for happiness, good health, and prosperity.
Auspicious objects are traditionally displayed as symbols of good fortune and happiness. Beyond their charming appearance, learning about the meanings and origins behind each one makes them even more special.
This time, we introduce four auspicious objects available at ISHIMO: the Daruma, Frog, Maneki-neko (Lucky Cat), and Seven Lucky Gods.
Discover the meanings and stories behind each one, and find a favorite piece to bring a little extra good fortune into your everyday life.
Daruma dolls: A symbol of support for effort and wishes
Daruma dolls are auspicious symbols that have been cherished in Japan since ancient times, and are known as a symbol of the spirit of “falling seven times, getting up eight.”
Their roots lie in Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism.
His long years of ascetic practice and indomitable spirit spread throughout Japan as the image of the Daruma doll, developing into the auspicious symbol it is today.
Daruma dolls are associated with a variety of wishes, including business prosperity, good fortune, academic success, and good health.
They have been cherished by many people since ancient times as a symbol of support for effort and wishes.
They are perfect for those who have a goal they want to achieve or who want to try again.
Oro Stone Daruma
Oro Stone Daruma（small）
A frog that brings good fortune and prosperity
In Japan, frogs have long been cherished as auspicious symbols of good fortune, abundance, and prosperity.
Furthermore, the word “kaeru” (frog) is associated with wishes such as “good fortune returns” and “money returns,” which is another reason why frogs are popular as lucky charms.
They are often displayed in entrances and gardens, and are also chosen as gifts to express wishes for happiness.
Makabe Stone Frog（A）
Makabe Stone Frog（Un）
With its unique and adorable pose, the Maneki-neko (beckoning cat) is said to bring good fortune.
Maneki-neko (beckoning cat) are lucky charms that are said to have become popular in Japan during the Edo period.
Maneki-neko figurines typically hold a gold coin or money bag in one hand and beckon with the other.
The meaning differs depending on which hand is raised; generally, a raised right hand is said to beckon money, while a raised left hand is said to beckon people (customers).
Their adorable expressions and unique poses subtly decorate spaces such as entrances and shops.
Oro Stone Maneki-neko「Nya-nyan」
The Seven Lucky Gods, each possessing a different blessing.
The Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin), widely worshipped in Japan, are a collective term for seven deities believed to bring various blessings, such as happiness, wealth, and longevity.
Each deity is associated with a different blessing, and they have been cherished as figures who bring prosperity and peace to people’s lives.
They are popular not only as lucky charms that bring good fortune, but also as decorative items that allow people to enjoy the unique expressions and appearances of each deity.
Ebisu: God who brings “business success” and “fruitful results”
Daikokuten: God who presides over “wealth, business prosperity, and abundant harvests”
Fukurokuju: God who bestows “longevity, happiness, and virtue”
Bishamonten: God who presides over “luck in competition, good fortune, protection from evil, and wealth”
Hotei: God who bestows “smiles, harmony, fertility, and good fortune”
Jurōjin: God who brings “longevity, health, and family peace”
Benzaiten: Goddess who presides over “music, art, learning, wisdom, and wealth”
Hanazawa Stone Daikokuten
Hanazawa Stone Ebisu
Hanazawa Stone Benzaiten
A life enriched by carefully chosen auspicious items.
When choosing a lucky charm, the meaning behind it isn’t the only important thing.
It’s also important to choose something that you personally find appealing—considering its size, appearance, and where it will be placed.
Whether it brings you a sense of calm every time you look at it, or conveys your feelings as a gift to a loved one,
Why not incorporate a little bit of good fortune into your life while enjoying the unique texture of stone?
Our online shop offers an even wider selection of auspicious objects.
We invite you to bring a little extra good fortune into your everyday life with an auspicious object that welcomes happiness and prosperity into your home.