Fuku Nezumi: Lucky White Rats

Eastern Customs: Enumerated Blessings - Attractive image from a Chikanobu series published from about 1887 to 1890. These charming scenes illustrate words that include the syllable fuku (or huku), which has many different meanings, but the primary meaning is blessing or good fortune. Women, children, and families are shown in daily life, playing games, enjoying different traditions, and celebrating festivals and events. Beautifully drawn with fine detail and vibrant color, these lovely Chikanobu designs offer a wonderful look at life in Japan during the Meiji era. A rarely seen series and a nice choice for a collector.

Fuku Nezumi: Lucky White Rats - Intriguing scene of a two women and a young girl watching happily as several white rats play about on the floor nearby. White rats are considered symbols of good luck, and are associated with Daikoku, one of Japan's Seven Lucky Gods. They are also the first sign of the year in the animal zodiac. Here, a young girl leans over her mother's knee, smiling as one of the animals climbs up her mother's black kimono. Large bales wrapped in straw matting and ropes are shown in the room behind the figures. Nicely detailed with burnishing on the black kimono and collar, and the black panel at upper left.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 13" x 9" + margins as shown

Condition - Nice color and good detail. A few small repairs.