This carved Japanese woodblock depicts Daikokuten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods of good fortune. The smiling figure stands atop rice bales, holding the lucky mallet (uchide no kozuchi) and carrying a treasure sack -- traditional symbols of wealth and abundance. 

The calligraphy across the top translates to "Daikokuten, bringer of complete fortune prosperity." This type of inscription strongly suggests the carving was used for auspicious prints, charms, or New Year imagery celebrating good fortune.

The deeply carved relief lines would have been inked and pressed onto paper in the traditional woodblock printing process. See the last photo showing a pencil rubbing on paper.

7" x 5" x .5"