In 1804, at the height of his creative powers, Katsushika Hokusai turned his attention to the gods of fortune, producing Daikoku, Juro, and Ebisu (Gods of Luck)—a rare depiction of all three deities together, at a time when images of individual gods were far more common. This work stands out not just for its subject, but for the way it weaves together popular beliefs from both Buddhist and Shinto traditions, reflecting the syncretic religious landscape of Edo-period Japan. The exact medium remains uncertain, a reminder of how many of Hokusai’s early works have slipped through the cracks of documentation.

Yet even with this uncertainty, the piece is celebrated for capturing the optimism and humor so prized in Japanese folk art. At the heart of the image, Daikoku, god of wealth, beams as he hoists his mallet—a symbol that, when struck, grants wishes and prosperity. Beside him, the elderly Jurojin, sage of longevity, leans on his staff, his gentle smile suggesting the calm wisdom that comes with age. Ebisu, patron of fishermen and commerce, clasps a sea bream, the fish’s scales rendered with the delicate precision that would later define Hokusai’s prints.

The three figures are shown in a moment of camaraderie, their gestures and attributes inviting viewers to seek good fortune in all aspects of life. Unlike the more formal, imposing depictions of gods by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Hokusai’s gods are approachable, almost playful—a quality that endeared him to a broad urban audience. The provenance of Daikoku, Juro, and Ebisu (Gods of Luck) is not fully documented, which is typical for many early works by Hokusai, especially those produced before his rise to international fame. It likely circulated among merchant collectors in Edo, who were drawn to auspicious imagery for their businesses and homes.

Today, the piece is recognized as an early example of Hokusai’s fascination with popular subjects and his ability to blend humor with reverence. While the work’s current location is not firmly established, it remains an important touchstone for scholars tracing Hokusai’s development from his early paintings and illustrations to the iconic prints of his later years.