Jurojin, from the series "A Comparison of the Treasures of the Gods of Good Fortune (Fukujin takara awase)" c. 1795

Chōbunsai Eishi created this woodblock print, "Jurojin, from the series "A Comparison of the Treasures of the Gods of Good Fortune," which is part of a series that explores themes of luck and prosperity. The composition arranges Jurojin centrally, surrounded by symbolic objects rendered with delicate lines and muted colors, creating a serene and contemplative mood. The floral patterns on her kimono, and the turtles, function as signs within a cultural code, reflecting the values associated with Jurojin. The scroll placed at the upper right hints at Jurojin's wisdom. This print destabilizes traditional portraiture by embedding the figure within a network of symbols that invite us to decode layers of meaning. Eishi's mastery lies in his ability to balance aesthetic beauty with complex cultural narratives, prompting ongoing interpretations of its visual and symbolic language.