Seven Gods of Good Fortune/Mitate of Lucky Gods/New Year Dreams
Artist/Culture
Isoda Koryūsai 磯田 湖龍齋
(Japanese, 1735–about 1790)
Dateabout 1770
MediumWoodblock print, ink and color on paper; nishiki-e; hashira-e
Dimensions67.9 x 11.5 cm (26 3/4 x 4 1/2 in.)
ClassificationsPrints
Credit LineJohn Chandler Bancroft Collection
Object number1901.59.2796
Label TextIsoda Koryusai (1735-90)
The Seven Gods of Good Fortune (Shichi-fukujin)
About 1770
Artist's signature: Koryu-ga (drawn by Koryu)
Woodblock print, ink and color on paper; nishiki-e; hashira-e
John Chandler Bancroft Collection, 1901.59.2796
The seven gods have their roots in different countries (India, China and Japan) and religions (Hinduism, Taoism, Shintoism and Buddhism); they were first formed as a group at the beginning of the 17th century. During the following two centuries they were popularly honored in Shinto and Buddhist temples at the New Year as well as worshipped daily in the home, especially by city merchants. Paintings, or mounted pillar prints, depicting the Shichi-fukujin, Seven Gods of Good Fortune, were also displayed in the formal family alcove at that time. Notes:Pillar PrintsProvenanceJohn Chandler Bancroft, Boston, MAOn View
Not on view
