Demons of illness and poverty stalking the lucky gods
Artist
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi 月岡 芳年
(Japanese, 1839–1892)
Date1884
Mediumwoodblock print, ink and color on paper
DimensionsOban Triptych: 38.6 × 77.6 cm (15 3/16 × 30 9/16 in.)
ClassificationsPrints
Credit LineAlexander H. Bullock Fund
Object number2002.239
DescriptionDuring the profound cultural and social changes in Japan during the 1880s, a widespread economic recession occurred amid crop failures, disease, and a series of natural disasters. Two popular gods of good fortune, Ebisu and Daikoku, cower under Daikoku’s voluminous treasure bag as the emaciated figures of illness and poverty approach them. This print was intended as satire, and the high number of extant impressions suggests that it was popular. The title also puns on the characters for Yoshitoshi’s name, which also can be read as “Hōnen” or “a bountiful year.” The poem reads:"Don’t confuse the demons of illness and poverty with beauties like Komachi and Seishi. Look how frightened the gods of fortune are!"
Label TextDuring the profound cultural and social changes in Japan during the 1880s, a widespread economic recession occurred amid crop failures, disease, and a series of natural disasters. Two popular gods of good fortune, Ebisu and Daikoku, cower under Daikoku’s voluminous treasure bag as the emaciated figures of illness and poverty approach them. This print was intended as satire, and the high number of extant impressions suggests that it was popular. The title also puns on the characters for Yoshitoshi’s name, which also can be read as “Hōnen” or “a bountiful year.” The poem reads: "Don’t confuse the demons of illness and poverty with beauties like Komachi and Seishi. Look how frightened the gods of fortune are!" ProvenanceKatie and Scott McDonald, Rochester, NY
On View
Not on view
Koizumi Kishio
December 1935
