Accession Number
1989/2.142

Title
Five Gods of Wealth Arrive Together

Artist(s)
Chinese

Artist Nationality
Chinese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
20th century

Medium & Support
woodblock print on paper

Dimensions
17 1/4 in x 15 3/8 in (43.8 cm x 39 cm);17 15/16 in x 16 in (45.5 cm x 40.6 cm);17 1/4 in x 15 3/8 in (43.8 cm x 39 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Willard A. and Marybelle B. Hanna

Subject matter
These are the five wealth gods who represent the five directional deities of wealth: north, south, east, west, and center. They are known as a symbol of good luck and wealthiness throughout a new year. Each wealth god is standing by a horse; horses symbolize social status since they are instruments of war as well as a means for farmers to achieve greater agricultural success. 

Physical Description
Five figures dressed in robes and a hat are each standing and holding up a sword. Each man is standing by a horse and some of the horses are eating grass. Two figures in the foreground are playfully fighting and their swords are crossed.

Primary Object Classification
Print

Primary Object Type
color print

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
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Keywords
gods
gods (dieties)
good fortune
prosperity
wealth