Schip met giften c. 1815 - 1882

"Ship with Gifts" is a Japanese woodblock print by Hanzan Matsukawa, created sometime between 1820 and 1882. The print depicts a Takarabune, a treasure ship carrying gifts from the gods, a common motif in Japanese art, especially during the New Year symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. The image reflects the cultural traditions and beliefs of the Edo period. It was a time when the merchant class was rising in influence, and images of wealth and prosperity were very popular. We might consider this artwork as a window into the aspirations and values of the people. The ship, filled with symbolic items like coral and coins, presents themes of abundance and luck. Beyond the generalized prosperity, it's tempting to ask, who exactly did that prosperity serve? Who was invited to partake in the dreams of good fortune? The inscription on the print suggests a personalized wish or blessing, but the extent to which these blessings were equitably distributed remains an open question. The ship is more than just a symbol of wealth, it's a vessel carrying our hopes, dreams, and perhaps, a reflection of our society's complex relationship with fortune.