Fukurokuju and a Crane, Impersonating Okina and Sanbaso
Artist/Culture
Tomikawa Fusanobu
Dateabout 1750
Mediumwoodblock print; ink and color on paper;benizuri-e (two colors: red and green)
Dimensions13.3 x 29.2 cm (5 1/4 x 11 1/2 in.)
ClassificationsPrints
MarkingsPublisher: Rectangular cartouche with round mark: three black triangles and 'Tomita han' (published by Tomita)
Credit LineJohn Chandler Bancroft Collection
Object number1901.366
DescriptionYoko hosoban (horizontal small narrow print)Label TextThis is a New Year surimono to convey good wishes for long life and happiness. Okina, a white-bearded old man, and Sanbaso, a dancer wearing a court cap, are familiar from the No theater as two legendary characters symbolizing longevity; it was customary to open theatre performances with the dance appearances of these two characters. Okina is here impersonated by the wise god of joy and longevity Fukurokuju, one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune (right), who is endowed with a very tall head. Sanbaso is impersonated by a crane, an animal similarly famous for its longevity who often accompanies Fukurokuju.Fukurokuju holds an uchiwa (a flat non-bending Chinese-style fan) is seated beside an old blossoming plum tree kobai and two young pines. A bamboo and minogame (turtle said to live for thousands of years with sh
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