Billiken - The God of Things as they Ought to be

The Billiken is one of Osaka’s most iconic symbols, with statues existing all over the area! Invented at the start of the 20th century by Florence Pretz, an art teacher in Missouri, the Billiken craze quickly swept through the United States with merchandise appearing everywhere. The St Louis University still use the Billiken as their mascot to this day!

This craze made its way to Japan, where a Billiken statue was erected in Tsutenkaku Tower, Osaka in 1912. The Billiken has remained a popular tourist attraction, and versions can be found all throughout Osaka. Legends say that if you rub a Billiken’s feet, you will be granted good luck!

This print sought to create a mini Billiken that you can store at home, whether that be on your desk, in a shrine, or if you’re like me, up on an Ikea Skadis board!

Build Notes

This is a very simple print, no supports needed, just make it as strong as you see fit. I used gold PLA for the bulk of the Billiken, with a matte black PLA for the text, eyes, mouth, and nostrils.