25554 Hirakushi Denchu ​​(Fukuju Daikokuten statue, special color, 1972 (100 years old) (reissued with Hiroko certificate)

Height 18.0cm (including stand)

Width 17.6cm

　 In 1897, he moved to Tokyo and studied under Takamura Koun. Heavily influenced by his senior disciple Yonehara Unkai, he developed his own style. At first, he mainly produced Buddhist sculptures, and in 1914, he became a member of the Japan Art Academy. He then devoted himself to the study of plastic modeling, and in the Showa period, he produced portrait sculptures and even incorporated inlay wood and vivid coloring in imitation of ancient methods. In 1902, he was awarded the Order of Culture.

Hirakushi Denchu's style of applying color to woodcarvings was revolutionary at the time, and "Kagamijishi" (1958), housed at the National Theater, is said to be the culmination of his work. In his later years, Hirakushi Denchu ​​produced a painted woodcarving of Daikokuten, which has come to be considered one of Hirakushi's representative works. This Fukuju Daikokuten statue was produced in 1972, when he was 100 years old, and is marked "Special Color" on the box and the underside of the base. Both the woodcarving and the coloring show a highly mature level of perfection. This was also the year that the Hirakushi Denchu ​​Award was established, sponsored by Ibara City, Tanaka's hometown.