Artwork

騎龍弁財天|Benzaiten (Goddess of Music and Good Fortune) Seated on a White Dragon

騎龍弁財天|Benzaiten (Goddess of Music and Good Fortune) Seated on a White Dragon is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Aoigaoka Keisei. It dates from 1832 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This woodblock print, created by Aoigaoka Keisei in 1832, depicts a serene female figure astride a dynamic dragon. The work is a surimono, a type of print often used for special occasions.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is Benzaiten, a goddess associated with music and good fortune. She is shown calmly seated on a white dragon, surrounded by swirling clouds and accompanied by a scroll with Japanese text, suggesting a narrative or poetic context.

Technique & Style

The artist employed bold lines and vibrant colors to convey a sense of drama and energy. The contrast between the tranquil goddess and the fierce dragon is heightened by the use of red, gold, and green hues, while the dark sky and swirling clouds add to the dynamic atmosphere.