Comment - The 'Seven Gods of Fortune' are all believed to grant good luck to it's believers. It is known that these deities have their origins in ancient gods of fortune. The central figures are Bishamonten , holding a black mask, and big bellied Hotei. Hotei is holding an red and white striped Edo kite with a crane crest, that is often associated with Asahina. The crane crest red center represents the Japanese sun on the national flag, and it thus very skillfully combines the national symbol of the red sun with the House of Soga.

On the right panel, Okame the Goddess of Dawn, Mirth and Revelry is watching the scene, holding a paper scroll in her right hand. She is not a member of the 'Seven Lucky Deities', but often seen together with them. Big headed Fukurokuji is holding a chicken in his right arm, below him is Jurojin with a big chicken in his left arm, a red Nyoi (RuYi) as a symbol of power and good fortune over his right arm.

The left panel shows Ebisu, the Patron of Fisherman and God of Prosperity and Wealth in business with a red carp. Beneath him sits Daikokuten, the God of Darkness (大黒天), household, commerce and prosperity. He is characterized by his smile, short legs, big earlobes, and is wearing a black hat, and most often carries a big sack with all kinds of goods and gifts.

Refer to the explanations by clicking on the big picture or links.


Series - none


Artist - see Biography


Signature - Shōshō (Shōjō) Kyōsai-ga 猩々狂斎画, large white signature cassettes right panel lower right


Publisher -  Takegawa Seikichi (武川清吉), greenish casette, lower right panel with street address; the small yellow cassette left to the publisher's cassette is the carver's seal)


Image Size - 36.1 x 74.1 cm   (14 2/9" x 29 1/5")


Condition - tryptich; woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper, three separate panels, all vertical ôban;