Seven Gods of Good Fortune and Otafuku Celebrating New Year's from the series Prosperous and Harmonious Month (Fukutoku mutsumashi tsuki) Woodblock print (nishiki-e) right sheet of triptych; ink and color on paper

Curator: This woodblock print, "Seven Gods of Good Fortune and Otafuku Celebrating New Year's from the series Prosperous and Harmonious Month" is by Kitagawa Utamaro, created in the 18th century. The work is part of the collection at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My first impression is one of festive tranquility. The colors are muted, yet the scene feels joyous and intimate, like a private New Year's celebration. Curator: Indeed. The work offers insight into the cultural significance of New Year's in Edo period Japan, showing how deities were incorporated into celebrations. Editor: Look at the symbols each god carries! A mallet, a scroll, a treasure sack... these are visual shorthands for prosperity, wisdom, and abundance. They resonate deeply with human hopes. Curator: And Otafuku, a symbol of mirth and good fortune. Her presence, alongside the deities, reflects a society that blended religious beliefs with everyday life. Editor: The artist deftly balances the sacred and the secular here. It's a reminder of how cultural traditions are constantly being negotiated and reinterpreted. Curator: A fascinating perspective. These prints served as a form of popular entertainment and cultural instruction. Editor: Ultimately, it’s about creating meaning through shared cultural symbols.