The Seven Gods of Good Fortune

Maker Maruyama Shijo school Collaborative Painting

MediumHanging scroll: ink and colors on silk

Dimensions63 x 32 7/8 inches (160 x 83.5 cm)

CultureJapan

ClassificationsPaintings

Credit LineGift of Dr. and Mrs. Frederick Baekeland

Terms

Paintings
Japanese
Hanging scroll: ink and colors
Silk

Object number77.086.001

Label CopyThis painting presents the collaborative effort of seven prominent members of the Maruyama-Shijo school, each of whom painted one of the popular gods and signed his work. At the top, the god of longevity, Fukurokuju, was painted by Matsumura Goshun (1752-1811). Daikokuten, god of prosperity, shown with his treasure bag, magic mallet, and bales of rice is the work of Okamoto Toyohiko (1773-1845). Shibata Gito (1780-1819) painted Benten, goddess of love and wealth, and the only female member of the group. Ebisu holds a red sea bream, the fish that is his attribute as god of daily food, and was painted by Watanabe Nangaku (1767-1813). Nishimura Nantei (1775-1834) depicted Bishamonten wearing armor and holding a small pagoda; as one of the twelve deva kings, he brings riches. Hotei, god of happiness, identified by his fat belly and treasure bag, was painted by Kishi Ganku (1756-1838). Kawamura Bunpo (1779-1821) painted Jurojin, god of learning and scholarly success, seated beside his vehicle, the stag.

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