Antique Japanese small scroll painting for a shrine depicting the goddess Benzaiten (Benten). One of the 7 Lucky Gods, Benten is the goddess of good fortune, wealth, music and knowledge. She originates from Saraswati, goddess of music. Here in this painting, she is in her 8-armed form called Happi Benzaiten. Each hand holds a specific buddhist attribute. She stands atop a dragon which hold a precious magic pearl in it's claws. On her crown is a small torii gate. Below, each on their own floating mist, are two smaller deities. Painted in mineral colors and gold on paper.

Age: Edo Period

Dimensions: Total size: 37" high x 9" wide (10 1/2" wide including rollers). Size of artwork: 19 1/2" high x 5 5/8" wide