Four of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune (Shichifukujin): Benzaiten, Bishamonten, Jurōjin, and Dancing Fukurokuju c. 1670

Curator: This is Hishikawa Moronobu's rendition of "Four of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune," a woodblock print that now resides at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: I am struck by how playful the composition feels, even with such serious subject matter. The figures seem to almost float on the paper. Curator: Woodblock prints democratized art. Moronobu, a pioneer in this process, was keenly aware of his market, creating works for the rising merchant class. These gods offered accessible symbols of prosperity. Editor: The pine tree looms large as a symbol of longevity, and the fish hanging nearby, a symbol of abundance. And what about that figure dancing with such glee? Curator: Precisely! The very act of printing these images—mass-producing them—speaks to a desire for good fortune available to many. Editor: So, through both symbolism and method, this artwork embodies a widespread hope. Curator: Yes, reflecting the material aspirations of its time. Editor: A fascinating confluence of artistry and cultural hope.