Treasure Ship 1859

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print, ink, woodblock-print

print

asian-art

landscape

etching

ukiyo-e

ink

woodblock-print

Dimensions: 7 1/2 x 10 in. (19 x 25.4 cm) (image, sheet)

This woodblock print titled Treasure Ship was created by Shunsei in Japan. The image depicts a Takarabune, a ship carrying the Seven Lucky Gods. The Takarabune is a symbol deeply embedded in Japanese folklore, representing prosperity and good fortune. Rooted in agrarian society, the deities ensure bountiful harvests and success in trade. This print would likely have been commissioned or purchased during the New Year season to bring good luck. Examining the visual codes, the ship is laden with treasures, emphasizing abundance. The rising sun suggests new beginnings, reinforcing the New Year theme. We might look to Kabuki theatre for relevant cultural references, or examine Shinto temple records for details about how the Seven Lucky Gods were worshipped during this time. The text gives us further clues for what the print was supposed to mean. The artwork's meaning emerges from the complex interplay of cultural traditions and artistic expression, and a better understanding hinges on exploring this historical context.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart over 1 year ago

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According to Japanese folklore, sleeping with a picture of a treasure ship laid under one's pillow on the night of January 1st. brings auspicious dreams, and thus portends good luck throughout the coming year. Consequently, images of treasure ships were produced in great number in pre-modern Japan. This print shows a ship with full, swelling sails and loaded with treasure. People would imagine the round containers, depicted here on the ship's deck, as being filled with gold coins, rice, or jewelry. Expensive gold pigment used to depict the outlines of the containers heightens the sumptuous mood.