uke-e　有卦絵

KEY WORD :　art history / paintings

Also written 有気絵. Woodblock prints or paintings *ukiyo-e 浮世絵 produced for an individual at the beginning of a period of good fortune which was identified by divination. A series of complicated calculations involving the nine astrological signs, five elements (wood, fire, water, earth and metal) and directions correlated with the person's birth year. A seven year period of good-luck and five year period of bad luck was then arranged for the person on a calendar. To celebrate the entering into a good-luck period, a painting or print was designed depicting seven images which begin with the sound of "fu" ふ a character meaning good fortune. Images include: Fujisan 富士山; Fukusuke 福助, a large-headed male doll which brings good luck; Fukujusou 福寿草, god of wealth, among other images. Such prints were popular throughout the first half of the 19c, and declined thereafter.

REFERENCES:

EXTERNAL LINKS:

NOTES:

(C)2001 Japanese Architecture and Art Net Users System.　No reproduction or republication without written permission. 掲載のテキスト・写真・イラストなど、全てのコンテンツの無断複製・転載を禁じます。