are traditional dolls associated with good luck in Japan. A Fukusuke doll is the depiction of a man kneeling seiza style, with a large head and a topknot. History It was originally a doll enshrined in tea houses or brothels in the Edo period to bring good luck. In those days, it was considered that Fukusuke would bring "perennial youth, wealth and honor". The doll usually wears a kataginu (かたぎぬ), a kind of vest with exaggerated shoulders. While this kind of garment was worn by samurai or court officials, some say that Fukusuke was based on a daimyō of Kyoto. The origin of the Fukusuke doll is not clear, others say that its origin is found in the kami of luck or fuku no kami (福の神) called Kanō Fukusuke (叶福助) in the Edo period. Fukusuke is often seen in business establishments, and is today is treated as a common good luck icon. Many are made of Chinese porcelain and others handcraft. Album The Beatles Fukusuke, with Bob Dylan, Marlon Brando, Marilyn Monroe, a Shirley Temple doll with the legend "Welcome The Rolling Stones", and others, featured on the List of images on the cover of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, album (1967) of The Beatles. See also Maneki-neko Daruma Tanuki a Japanese raccoon dog, wears a straw hat which protects him from bad luck, an account book, and a bottle of sake in his hands, all symbols of prosperity in business. Notes Japanese folklore Japanese dolls Japanese folk art Lucky symbols