Uncommonly large jizai kagi (adjustable hearth pot hook) in the Daikoku style. During the Meiji period, wealthy merchants sometimes displayed oversized examples as a symbol of prosperity, since the ability to suspend a large cooking cauldron implied abundant food at a time when shortages were still common. The Daikoku style takes its name from the household god of wealth, whose rounded cap, when seen in profile, resembles the form of the hook. Crafted of lacquered Japanese elm (keyaki).

c. Late 19th century (Meiji period), Japan

19" height x 12" width x 6" depth