Goddess of Earth
Artist
Mayumi Oda
Japanese, b. 1941
Date1976
PeriodShowa period (1926-1989)
CultureJapanese
MaterialsSilkscreen print; ink and colors on paper
DimensionsOverall: H. 36 in × W. 24 in (91.4 cm × 61 cm)
Credit LineGift of Dr. Stephen A. Sherwin and Merrill Randol Sherwin
Object number2023.32
DepartmentJapanese Art
ClassificationsPrints And Drawings
On View
Not on viewIn this print, Mayumi Oda depicts the goddess of earth on a treasure ship. In Japanese folklore, the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin) pilot a mythical treasure ship (takarabune) and an image of the ship is a part of traditional Japanese new year celebrations. Known for her strong feministic perspective, Oda explains “Among [the seven gods], there is only one woman. So, I unloaded the men and kept Sarasvati (Jp: Benzaiten).” Oda replaced six male deities with a load of fresh vegetables surrounding Sarasvati, representing her as the goddess of earth.
The artist created the Treasure Ship series in 1976 and placed on board the goddess of snow, goddess of animals, and goddess of spring.
