Daikoku Dōagé 1761 - 1771

“Daikoku Dōagé” is a woodblock print crafted by Suzuki Harunobu during the Edo period, a time when Japanese society was highly structured and art often reflected those social dynamics. Here, we see a playful and intimate scene. Seven women surround Daikoku, one of the seven gods of fortune. They are helping him apply makeup, dōagé, typically a task performed by women. The portrayal of beauty and leisure in this artwork speaks to the cultural values of the era, yet there’s also a subversion at play. By depicting the god of wealth in a domestic setting, attended by women, Harunobu gently challenges the conventional representations of masculinity and power. In the Edo period, gender roles were quite rigid. Women were expected to be demure and domestic. But, here they take center stage, playfully engaging with a male deity. What does it mean when women are in control, even in jest, of a symbol of wealth and prosperity? It hints at the complex negotiations of gender and identity within the constraints of traditional society. This print invites us to consider the subtle ways artists can challenge norms and express alternative narratives through their work. The emotional and personal dimensions of this piece encourage us to think about the playful possibilities of subverting power.