Japanese bronze representing two mice, one of them pulling a treasure bag.

The mouse or the rat (both called nezumi in Japanese), one of the zodiac signs, is a symbol of fortune. This 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 needs in his daily life.

Unidentified seal below.

Japan – Meiji Era (1868-1912)

Height: 4.6 in. (11.7 cm) – width: 4.3 in. (11 cm) – depth: 10.9 in. (27.7 cm)