The God of Good Fortune Daikoku, on Horseback, Being Led by an Ohara Maiden - Hokkyō Kōitsu

A refined Japanese surimono woodblock print by Hokkyō Kōitsu, featuring the deity Daikoku guided by an Ohara maiden, accompanied by elegant calligraphy.

This surimono print by Hokkyō Kōitsu depicts Daikoku, one of the seven gods of good fortune, seated atop a horse. He is accompanied by an Ohara maiden, a figure traditionally associated with the rural area of Ohara near Kyoto, known for carrying firewood or charcoal to the city. The composition is typical of the surimono genre, which were privately commissioned prints often exchanged among members of poetry circles. These works frequently combine visual imagery with kyōka, a form of humorous or satirical waka poetry, which is visible here in the elegant calligraphy surrounding the figures.

The print displays the refined technical quality expected of surimono, including the use of subtle colour palettes and careful attention to the texture of the garments. Daikoku is shown with his characteristic jovial expression, while the maiden leads the horse with a steady hand. The horse itself is rendered with a sense of movement, its head bowed as it follows the path. The background remains largely unadorned, allowing the focus to rest entirely on the interaction between the deity and his guide. The inclusion of multiple poetic inscriptions suggests this print was produced for a specific gathering or celebration, reflecting the social customs of the Edo period.

Hokkyō Kōitsu was an artist active within the Ukiyo-e tradition, often working in the surimono format. His work demonstrates a clear understanding of the balance between text and image, a requirement for this specific medium. The print serves as a record of the cultural interests of the time, blending mythology with the everyday life of the Japanese countryside. The soft tones and precise line work are characteristic of the high-quality printing techniques employed by publishers of the era, ensuring that the delicate details of the clothing and the calligraphic characters remain clear and legible.