Jurojin, from the series "A Parody of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune (Mitate shichifukujin)"

Art Historical Context

Behold *Jurojin, from the series "A Par of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune (Mitate shifukujin)"*, a delightful color woodblock print by the artist Yashima Gakutei, created around 1828. This intimate shikishiban-format work (a square sheet measuring 21.8 × 19.8 cm) captures Jurojin, the wise deity of longevity from Japan's beloved Seven Gods of Good FortuneShichifukujin). Gakutei, an Osaka-based ukiyo-e master known for his refined surimono prints, infuses the scene with playful parody (*mitate*), reimagining the sacred figures in whimsical, contemporary guises—a clever twist popular in Edo-period art. Surimono, or "printed things," were luxurious, privately commissioned woodblock prints often produced for New Year's greetings or poetry gatherings. Gakutei's meticulous technique shines here: vibrant colors layered through multiple carved blocks, subtle embossing, and metallic accents like mica for a shimmering effect. These prints celebrated community and wit, blending reverence for Shichifukujin—symbols of prosperity and protection—with humorous social commentary. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia collection, this piece exemplifies late Edo-period printmaking's artistry and cultural vibrancy, inviting viewers to ponder the gods' enduring appeal through Gakutei's elegant lens.

About the Artist

Yashima Gakutei · 1786–1868

Yashima Gakutei (c. 1786–1868), born in Osaka as the illegitimate son of a Tokugawa shogunate samurai named Hirata, adopted the name from his mother's subsequent marriage into the Yashima clan. Little is documented about his early years beyond these familial ties, but he pursued artistic training under the esteemed ukiyo-e masters Totoya Hokkei and Katsushika Hokusai, absorbing their precision in ...