PLATES XXIII, XXIV, XXV, XXVI
Uzume and the Seven Deities of Good Fortune
Uzume is the goddess, or female genius, of cheerfulness, famous as the one who danced before the Heavenly Cave and induced the Sun-goddess to come out. Here she is made companion of the seven Deities of good fortune, who are arrayed in the picture from left to right as follows:—Uzume, Ehisu, Benten, Ju-rōjin, Daikoku, Fuku-roku-ju, Hotei and Bishamon. The whole company is represented at a merry banquet. See p. 279.
By Kazan, also known as Toshu (early 19th century). In possession of Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
The Seven Deities of Good Fortune in Landscapes
Daikoku sitting in a cottage filled with rice, and Hotei treading a foot-path with two children.
Ebisu fishing in a boat and Bishamon appearing on a cloud close to a waterfall.
Fuku-roku-ju flying on a crane, Ju-rōjin sitting in a pavilion, and Benten playing music on the waterside, where a dragon appears. See p. 279.
The whole group is depicted in a faint echo of the classic style of the Kano Academy and adapted to the popular taste of the age.
By Kano Yōsen, also known as Korenobu (died 1808). In possession of Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
