Daikoku and rats bringing rice bales to Ebisu

Utagawa Sadahide employed simple lines and flat colours in the composition, eschewing deep shadows for a more two-dimensional aesthetic, characteristic of certain ukiyo-e traditions.

Originally owned by Mr. Hogitaro Inada, the painting was acquired by the collection in 1909, with its provenance confirmed through the Asia Department registers during a 2022 research project.

This work reflects Utagawa Sadahide's propensity to reinterpret everyday and mythological themes, often with a touch of whimsy, as evident in his other works that playfully engage with common scenes.