Treasure Ship & Golden Frog

This Treasure Ship (Takarabune) is an auspicious object traditionally carried by seafarers and those working on the water, symbolizing prayers for maritime safety. With its substantial size and weight, it makes a strong presence as both a protective charm and a decorative piece.

At the heart of the piece is a golden frog motif, crafted in 18k gold, inspired by the famous Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga (Scrolls of Frolicking Animals and Humans), a national treasure preserved at Kōzan-ji Temple in Kyoto. The featured frog, shown sumo wrestling with a rabbit in the scroll’s most well-known scene, embodies playfulness and vitality.

In Japanese folklore, the frog (蛙 / kaeru) is considered a lucky creature. Its name is a homophone for “return” (帰る / kaeru), and it symbolizes:

・Safe return from travels ("buji kaeru")

・Return of fortune or money ("fuku kaeru", "okane ga kaeru")

・Career progress, as frogs only leap forward

This piece is often gifted to travelers, professionals working far from home, or those recovering from illness—as a wish for health, safe return, and prosperity.

The octagonal base is a feng shui symbol representing balance and harmony. The number eight is also associated with Yatagarasu, a mythological three-legged crow said to have guided Emperor Jimmu during his legendary journey, believed to bring divine guidance and clarity of path.

The boat itself is crafted from paulownia wood (kiri)—a material long used in maritime gear such as diving boards for tuna fishing. In mythology, the phoenix (hōō) is said to descend upon a paulownia tree, making it a symbol of sacred energy and happiness.

To preserve the brilliance of the gold, the motif is enclosed in clear acrylic resin. Thanks to the magnifying lens effect, the motif appears larger and the fine details become clearly visible.