Designer: Tomikawa Fusanobu | Carver: David Bull | Printer: Rei

Paper size: 15cm by 11cm | Enlargement | Shipping Code: [HC] ? | Currency: $ / £ / €

Price: $ 40.00£ 32.25€ 36.75 [Reprinting]   [Notify me when it comes back]

Description: It is one print from a set depicting three of the fukujin (we usually see seven of these 'lucky gods' ...), and shows the goddess known as Benzaiten. Various reference sources I checked couldn't agree on exactly what it is she is supposed to be the goddess of, so I'll choose the one that states: Goddess of Fine Arts and Music, which suits me just fine!

The design dates from the 1760's~70's, and was created by Tomikawa Fusanobu. He was not known for single sheet prints like this one as much as for his work in books - writing and illustrating nearly 300 novels during his career.

The original print dates from the era before colour printing had become widespread, so I have taken the liberty of adding colour to the image. But I certainly wouldn't take any liberties with the outlines - the lines of her lute and kimono are created with calligraphy reading Biwa Hoshi Benzaiten (Benzaiten, as a Lute-Playing Priestess).