Seven Gods, with a Scroll on Which Appear the Two Characters, Good Luck and Long Life
Hosoda Eishi
Description
Subject Matter:
The seven individuals in this print are the seven lucky Gods (Shichifukujin) in the Japanese religion. Going in descending order, the top god is Bishamonten, the punisher of evildoers. Next is Fukurokuju, the god of wisdom and longevity. Below and to the left of him is Jurojin, god of longevity and good health. Below him and to the right is Benzaiten who is the dispenser of luck and wisdom. Below her is Ebisu who is the god of fisherman and luck. Under him is Hotei, god of happiness and good fortune. Below Hotei is Daikokuten who is the god of agriculture, prosperity, and commerce. The scroll next to Hotei reads Good luck and long life. Below them in the water is the turtle with long hair called a "minogame" an auspicious creature that appears in much of Japanese folklore. The crane above the gods is a symbol of happiness.
This print probably served as a symbol of good fortune, luck, and happiness and could have been used as a blessing for a place.
Physical Description:
This long and narrow print depicts seven individuals stacked upon each other. They are on a boat and look down at a scroll. Below the boat and in the water is a turtle with long hair. Above and behind them we see the sail of the boat and the red sun. Above the sail is a crane in flight. On the bottom right is a signature.
Usage Rights:
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