Very beautiful bronze okimono with brown patina of a rat pulling a bag filled with gold.

The rat, one of the signs of the zodiac, is a symbol of fortune. The bag can be compared to the treasure bag of Hotei, one of the seven gods of Happiness. A figure of prosperity, he is also the god of joy, abundance, and the guardian of children. His bag contains everything a person need in his daily life.

Inscription on the bag黄金袋 (ôgonbukuro), « golden bag ».

Japon – Meiji  (1868-1912)