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Five Gods of Wealth Arrive Together

Chinese

Artwork Details

Five Gods of Wealth Arrive Together
20th century
Chinese
woodblock print on paper
17 ¼ x 15 ¼ in. (43.82 x 38.74 cm);17 3/4 x 15 7/8 in. (45.08 x 40.32 cm)
Gift of Willard A. and Marybelle B. Hanna
1989/2.142

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Description

Subject Matter:

These are the five wealth gods who represent the five directional deities of wealth: north, south, east, west, and center. They are known as a symbol of good luck and wealthiness throughout a new year. Each wealth god is standing by a horse; horses symbolize social status since they are instruments of war as well as a means for farmers to achieve greater agricultural success. 

Physical Description:

Five figures dressed in robes and a hat are each standing and holding up a sword. Each man is standing by a horse and some of the horses are eating grass. Two figures in the foreground are playfully fighting and their swords are crossed.

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