The Treasure ship
Woodblock Print
circa 1840 (made)
circa 1840 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The Seven Gods of Good Fortune (Shichifukujin) are depicted here as humorous deities gathered together in their Treasure Ship (Takarabune). A picture of the Treasure Ship along with the Seven Gods became an essential part of the New Year celebrations. It was placed under the pillow in order to promote lucky dreams, for legend has it that the original ship sailed at this time of year bearing its treasures. The sail of the ship depicted here carries the character Ju, meaning longevity, and the print features other symbols of longevity, such as the crane, the seaweed-adorned turtle (minogame) and branches of pine.
Object details
| Object type | |
| Titles |
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| Materials and techniques | Woodblock print on paper |
| Brief description | Woodblock print, 'The Treasure Ship' by Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858), Edo (Tokyo), Japan, circa 1840. |
| Physical description | Woodblock print. Yoko-Ōban format, nishiki-e (full-colour print). The Seven Gods of Good Fortune are depicted here as humorous deities gathered together in their Treasure Ship (Takarabune). A picture of the Treasure Ship along with the Seven Gods became an essential part of the New Year celebrations. Legend has it that the ship sailed at this time bearing its treasures. The sail of the ship bears the character Ju, meaning longevity, and the print features other symbols of longevity such as the crane, the seaweed-adorned turtle (minogame) and pine branches. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | 「なかきよの とおのねふりの みなめさめ なみのりふねの おとのよきかな」 |
| Object history | Purchased from S. M. Franck & Co., accessioned in 1886. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Asia Department registers, as part of a 2022 provenance research project. |
| Summary | The Seven Gods of Good Fortune (Shichifukujin) are depicted here as humorous deities gathered together in their Treasure Ship (Takarabune). A picture of the Treasure Ship along with the Seven Gods became an essential part of the New Year celebrations. It was placed under the pillow in order to promote lucky dreams, for legend has it that the original ship sailed at this time of year bearing its treasures. The sail of the ship depicted here carries the character Ju, meaning longevity, and the print features other symbols of longevity, such as the crane, the seaweed-adorned turtle (minogame) and branches of pine. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | E.3461-1886 |
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| Record created | February 21, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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