Egoyomi Daikoku 1864

This small print presents Daikoku, one of the seven gods of fortune, rendered in a playful, calligraphic style. Notice how the god, his attributes, and his two bales of rice are cleverly constructed from Japanese characters. Daikoku’s benevolent image resonates with earlier depictions of deities of prosperity found in various cultures. Think of the Roman god of agriculture, Saturn, also associated with wealth and abundance. Similarly, Daikoku carries a mallet, symbolizing his ability to conjure wealth with each strike. In Japan, Daikoku's symbolism has evolved, blending indigenous beliefs with Buddhist influences. His ever-present smile and plump figure, much like those of a laughing Buddha, reflect the universal human desire for happiness and material well-being. This desire transcends cultural boundaries, manifesting in diverse visual forms across different epochs. Observe how the seemingly straightforward image of Daikoku is, in reality, a dense layering of cultural memories. These symbols speak to our shared, subconscious yearning for prosperity and contentment, endlessly resurfacing in new guises throughout human history.