Artist: Torii Kiyonaga [鳥居 清長] (Japanese, 1752 – 1815)
Signed: 清長画 (Kiyonaga ga)
Date: c. 1780
Media: Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper; Hashira-e (pillar print) 60.5 × 11.5 cm (23.8 × 4.5 inches)

Title: The Takarabune: The Seven Gods of Fortune on a Treasure Boat (Takarabune Shichifukujin zu, 宝船七福神図)

Description:
The Seven Gods of Fortune (Shichifukujin, 七福神) are depicted aboard the Takarabune (宝船), or Treasure Ship, sailing across stylized waves. Each deity is shown with their recognizable attributes, including Daikokuten with his mallet, Ebisu with his fishing rod, Hotei with his cloth bag, Fukurokuju with an elongated head, and Benzaiten—the only female deity—positioned near the center. Bishamonten, in warrior armor, looms protectively above, while Jurōjin appears with a scroll.

This composition combines auspicious motifs of wealth, longevity, and good fortune. Such images were traditionally associated with New Year celebrations and were believed to bring luck if placed under one’s pillow on the first night of the year.

This impression is in very good condition for a pillar print of the late 18th century, preserving fine linework and detail in the facial expressions and boat decoration.

Extremely rare, not in Pins.