Image of Daikoku and the Artist's Seals
1754–1799
Medium
Hanging scroll, ink and color on paper
Dimensions
185.3 × 45.8 cm (73 × 18 1/16 in.)
Classification
hanging scroll
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
124662
Rights
Public Domain
Art Historical Context
Nagasawa Rosetsu created this elegant hanging scroll during Japan’s Edo period, when ink painting flourished among artists exploring both traditional Buddhist themes and lively secular subjects. The work portrays Daikoku, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, whose image has long symbolized wealth, protection of the household, and abundant harvests in Japanese culture. Painted in ink and color on paper, the tall, narrow format (185.3 × 45.8 cm) is characteristic of hanging scrolls meant to be displayed in a tokonoma alcove, inviting quiet appreciation as the seasons change. Rosetsu’s seals, prominen...
About the Artist
Nagasawa Rosetsu (Japanese) · 1754 –1799
Japanese, 1754–1799