Utagawa, Kuniyoshi

Edo Period 19th century

1615-1868

Published (between 1843 and 1846)

Woodblock Print

The title of the work is Shichifukujin takarabune by the artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861). The work depicts the seven gods of fortune (Ebisu, Daikokuten, Bishamonten, Benzaiten, Fukurokuju, Hotei, and Jurōjin) in a treasure boat.

Kuniyoshi was born on January 1st, 1798, his farther Yanagiya Kichiyemon ran a silk-dying business where Kuniyoshi would help his father as a pattern designer. Some people believe he was to grow his talents in colour and design from his time working there.  

Kuniyoshi by the age of 12 attracted the attention of the famous ukiyo-e print master Utagawa Toyokuni. He was officially admitted to Toyokuni’s studio in 1811 and became one of his leading pupils. Kuniyoshi was to go on to be seen as one of the last great masters of woodblock printing during the Edo period before japan was to open up to the world, changing things in japan forever.  

730mm x 250mm

Signed Utagawa, Kuniyoshi