This charming folk craft is an おみくじ福禄寿 (Omikuji Fukurokuju) from Sekizan Zen-in 赤山禅院, a historic Tendai Buddhist temple in Kyoto.
The figure represents Fukurokuju, one of the Seven Lucky Gods (七福神), revered as the deity of longevity, wisdom, prosperity, and happiness. True to his iconography, the doll features an elongated bald forehead symbolizing intelligence and long life, a serene expression with closed eyes, and a flowing white beard.
Crafted in a simple, rounded wooden form typical of Japanese temple folk toys, the figure opens from the bottom to reveal a small folded fortune slip (omikuji). The accompanying paper fortune shown in the image indicates 第八番 大吉 (Great Blessing), the most favorable result, predicting excellent fortune.
These small devotional objects serve both as keepsakes and spiritual charms. Visitors to Sekizan Zen-in would draw the omikuji for guidance, then keep the Fukurokuju doll as a symbol of continued protection and blessings. The tactile simplicity, minimal brushwork, and warm wood tones reflect the aesthetic of traditional temple crafts—humble yet spiritually meaningful.
