Daikoku's Hammer and Three Mice c. 1878

Curator: This ink drawing, by Shibata Zeshin, depicts Daikoku's mallet resting near three mice. It feels… whimsical. Editor: It strikes me as a commentary on prosperity, but tinged with a critical lens. Daikoku is the god of wealth, but the mice suggest a natural order indifferent to divine power. Curator: Precisely. The mallet, a symbol of wish-granting, is almost overshadowed by the active mice. In Japanese folklore, mice are associated with resourcefulness and fertility, often linked to Daikoku himself. Editor: But isn't there a tension? Are these mice benefiting from Daikoku's blessings, or are they a subtle reminder of the limitations of even divine influence in addressing social inequalities? Curator: Perhaps Zeshin is suggesting both. The image oscillates between reverence and a gentle critique of blind faith in material wealth. Editor: A compelling tension indeed. It prompts us to consider the social dynamics and the disparities wealth can create. Curator: A thoughtful piece, offering a blend of cultural symbolism and quiet social commentary. Editor: Leaving us to ponder the complexities of prosperity and its impact.