Utagawa Toyohiro, "Lobster Treasure Ship"

In this unusual design, a lobster is shown cradling objects in the shape of a treasure boat to represent the Seven Gods of Fortune. In the "boat" are a number of gifts and offerings such as a hat, mallet, and jewels. This is a later edition woodblock print reproduced in the Meiji-period.

Date: ca. 1890 (originally ca. 1810)
Format: Surimono
Condition: Very good color and condition

Utagawa Toyohiro (1773-1828) produced hashira-e (pillar prints) and surimono during his lifetime and was a teacher of Ando Hiroshige, considered one of the greatest woodblock print artists of the Edo period.