A cheerful vintage Japanese shikishi artwork depicting Ebisu (恵比寿様), one of Japan’s beloved Seven Lucky Gods (七福神 / Shichifukujin), shown carrying a large red tai (鯛 / sea bream) and holding a fishing rod.
Painted in lively washes of red, pale blue, grey and black, the composition has a warm, humorous character. Ebisu is portrayed with his familiar smiling expression and rounded features, dressed in traditional garments and accompanied by the oversized fish that is one of his most recognizable attributes. The artist’s signature 富子 (Tomiko) and red seal appear at the lower right.
Ebisu is traditionally associated with prosperity, good fortune, successful business, fishing and abundance. Unlike most members of the Seven Lucky Gods, whose origins can be traced to Indian or Chinese religious traditions, Ebisu is considered a distinctly Japanese deity.
He is especially revered by merchants, shopkeepers and fishermen, and images of Ebisu are commonly displayed as auspicious symbols for commercial success and plentiful harvests from the sea.
The sea bream is itself an important auspicious symbol in Japan. Its Japanese name tai is associated with the word medetai (めでたい), meaning auspicious, joyful, or worthy of celebration. For this reason, sea bream is traditionally served on festive occasions such as weddings, New Year celebrations and other important milestones.
Size: 24 x 27cm
