Daikoku and Mouse 1880

"Daikoku and Mouse" is a whimsical woodblock print created by the renowned Japanese artist Shibata Zeshin in 1880. The artwork depicts Daikoku, one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Japanese folklore, riding a horse with a large basket on his back. A mouse, often associated with Daikoku, is depicted in the foreground nibbling on a rice cake. Zeshin's masterful use of ink and color, combined with his signature playful style, brings a humorous and charming quality to this traditional subject. The print reflects Zeshin's mastery of the ukiyo-e genre, renowned for its depictions of everyday life and popular culture in Japan. This artwork serves as a testament to Zeshin's exceptional skill in capturing the essence of Japanese folklore and cultural traditions.