Seven Gods of Good Fortune

Art Historical Context

Katsushika Hokus's *Seven Gods of Good Fortune created between 1808 and1827, captures the joyful essence of Japan's beloved Shichifukujin—the seven deities who sail the seas in a treasure ship, bestowing blessings like longevity, wealth, and happiness This intimate woodblock print, known as *surimono*, was commissioned for private celebrations, such as New Year's greetings, showcasing Hokusai's mastery of ukiyo-e, the "pictures of the floating world" that celebrated everyday beauty and folklore during the Edo period (1615–1868). Measuring just 8¼ x 7½ inches, this ink and color print on paper exemplifies the technical brilliance of woodblock printing: intricate carving allowed for vibrant hues, subtle gradients, and fine details crammed into a compact format. Hokusai, famed for iconic works like *The Great Wave*, infused the scene with dynamic energy, blending men and women deities in harmonious revelry—a nod to the era's prosperous urban culture in Edo (modern Tokyo). Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art Department from the H.O. Havemeyer Collection, this piece highlights the cultural reverence for these gods, who symbolized hope amid life's uncertainties. A delightful window into 19th-century Japanese artistry, it reminds us that good fortune, like art, thrives in shared wonder.

About the Artist

Katsushika Hokusai · 1760–1849

Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) stands as one of history's most influential artists, a Japanese master who revolutionized the ukiyo-e woodblock print tradition and profoundly shaped Western art. Born in the Katsushika district of Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to an artisan family, Hokusai lived through nearly nine decades of extraordinary creative evolution, adopting over thirty different artistic names t...