Accession Number
2015/2.169

Title
Five Sons with Auspicious Symbols of Success, Wealth, Good Fortune, Happiness, and Longevity

Artist(s)
Chinese

Artist Nationality
Chinese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
19th-20th century

Medium & Support
woodblock print on paper

Dimensions
22 in x 13 ½ in (55.88 cm x 34.29 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Sharlynn and Andrew Circo, in memory of Sotokichi Katsuizumi

Subject matter
One large figure in the center is surrounded by four smaller figures who seem to resemble children. The center figure is holding a plate of food, and under him are two columns of Chinese verses which mean "wishing one longevity through the spirits of evergreen trees and cranes." In Chinese culture, evergreen trees and cranes both symbolize longevity or an eternal life. The birds in the background are cranes, and the clouds symbolize the celestial realm. 

Physical Description
Image of five figures with one in the center which is significantly larger than the rest. All are wearing brightly colored robes. The larger figure is holding a plate with food and there are two columns of characters under the larger figure and between the smaller figures. They seem to be floating on clouds, and the green background is covered with rows of many multicolored birds.

Primary Object Classification
Print

Primary Object Type
color print

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
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Keywords
birds (motifs)
clouds
human figures (visual works)
spring (season)
years