Any thoughts for this set of menuki?

[Yumso]

Hello NMB members,

 

I've got this set of menuki from the worn tsuka. And I'm happy they are in good shape!

But I can't recognize what theme this set is trying to show- well a baby and a old man for the top one I see, but really no idea what bottom one is at all.

Can anyone help me gain bit more knowledge about this piece?

 

 

 

P.S. 

Is there a good book or an article about how to distinguish tosogu whether they are casted or not?
I've tried finding some books in my country but we have like zero information(none in my language!) about this hobby. 

[PhoenixDude]

Fukurokuju on the bottom. Bet.

Top is probably daikokuten.

 

Two of the 7 lucky gods.

[Matsunoki]

Hi Yoon

 

yes…menuki can be a bit of a challenge sometimes.

 

I'm pretty certain the top one depicts Hotei, one of the “seven lucky gods” often depicted with children and his sack of treasure…as on this menuki. 
I see Jay has suggested Fukurokuju for the second - also a “lucky god” so that would make sense as a pair. 

[Matsunoki]

Yep it’s Fukurokujo. He is laying down looking skywards. His vastly elongated forehead gives him away.

[Yumso]

Oh so this is about 七福神- Japanese version of Seven Star Gods?

I think I now see him pointing his hands. Never thought that round shape would be someone's head.

 

Thanks alot Jay and Colin!

[Brian]

This would be a great place to start, and it's free to download
https://archive.org/...injapanese00jolyuoft

[Yumso]

Thanks Brian,
Will try reading bit by bit.

[ROKUJURO]

Yes, HOTEI with KARAKO. Nice pair!