Kitao Shigemasa. Ebisu Drawing the First Water of the New Year / Hashira-e, c. 1775.

Artist: Kitao Shigemasa [北尾 重政] (Japanese, 1739 – 1820)
Signed: 重政画 (Shigemasa ga)
Publisher: Nishimuraya Yohachi [西村屋 与八] (enterprise, c. 1751-1860)
Date: c. 1775
Media: Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper; Hashira-e (pillar print) 61 × 12 cm (24 × 4.7 inches)

Title: Ebisu Drawing Wakamizu (Ebisu wakamizu o kumu zu, 恵比寿若水を汲む図)

Description:
Ebisu (恵比寿), one of the Shichifukujin (七福神, Seven Gods of Fortune), is shown drawing wakamizu (若水) — the first water drawn from a well on New Year’s morning. This auspicious ritual symbolizes purity, renewal, and good fortune for the coming year. Dressed in formal robes and a tall black court cap (eboshi, 烏帽子), Ebisu cheerfully pours water from a bucket into a basin. At the base of the composition is a basket of sea bream (tai, 鯛), its characteristic attribute and a traditional symbol of prosperity.

Unlike the other gods of fortune with continental origins, Ebisu is unique to Japan and closely associated with fishermen, merchants, and honest labor. His benevolent demeanor made him a particularly popular deity during the New Year season, when he was venerated for commercial and domestic blessings.

The publisher’s seal of Nishimuraya Yohachi appears at the bottom right.

This impression is in good condition for a hashira-e of the 1770s, with well-preserved color and finely detailed carving.

References:

• Jacob Pins, The Japanese Pillar Print, #547 / p. 217

• Tokyo National Museum Catalogue II (TNM II), #1373