Treasure Ship
- Date:
- before 1973
- Medium:
- Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
- Format:
- Oban
- Dimensions:
- 54.5 × 39.1 cm
- Publisher:
$2,000–$20,000+. Common prints: $2,000–$5,000. Key value factors: Kiyokata's influence as a teacher and his connection to Edo culture make his work highly valued. Paintings far exceed print prices.
Treasure Ship, known as takarabune in Japanese, is a subject laden with symbolism in Japanese folk culture. The treasure ship carries the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin) and their cargo of auspicious objects, and images of the vessel are traditionally displayed at New Year as harbingers of good fortune. Kaburaki Kiyokata renders this celebratory subject in an [oban](/glossary/oban) woodblock print using ink and color on paper. The treasure ship motif allows for a richly decorative composition featuring the elaborate vessel, its divine passengers, and their symbolic cargo of gold, coral, rice bales, and other lucky items. Kaburaki's treatment likely brings his portrait skills to bear on the individual gods, each of whom has a distinct personality and appearance. The pre-1973 date encompasses the artist's long career.
Woodblock print
Hansen, yoru
1926
Color woodblock print
1915
Color woodblock print
Hansen, asa
1926
Color woodblock print
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Treasure Ship was created by Kaburaki Kiyokata (鏑木清方) in before 1973.
Treasure Ship was published by Watanabe Shozaburo (before 1973).
Treasure Ship depicts boats & ships and seascapes.
Treasure Ship measures 54.5 × 39.1 cm (Oban format).
