Seven lucky gods

Colour woodblock print of ‘Seven lucky gods’ attributed to Kitao Shigemasa, published by Nishimuraya Yohachi; printed in Edo (modern Tokyo), Japan, during the 1770s. Pictured together on their treasure ship, Japan’s Seven Gods of Good Fortune are an auspicious company drawn from diverse traditions. The musical goddess Benzaiten, hammer-carrying Daikokuten, round-bellied Hotei and fierce guardian king Bishamonten all came to Japan through Buddhism. Invoked for long life, Fukurokuju and Jurōjin have their origins in Chinese Daoism. Ebisu is identified with deities of Japan’s indigenous Shintō faith; often shown fishing, here he is depicted with a red snapper.