Unknown Maker, Japanese

Depicted here are the seven gods of good fortune, a popular group of mythical figures with diverse origins. Gathered in a circle around two symbols of longevity - a dancing crane and a turtle - the gods are identifiable by the items they carry. From right to left are Bishamonten with his pagoda and a trident, Benzaiten with her lute, Fukurokuju with his fan, Jurojin with his wish-granting scepter and a stag, Daikokuten with a rice bale and a magic mallet, Ebisu with a catch of sea bream, and Hotei with his bag of treasures. The gods appear to be making merry and enjoying Benzaiten’s heavenly tunes.