Creating an illustration of Takarabune and designing packages

Creating an illustration inspired by the Takarabune, or the «Ship of the Seven Gods,» involves capturing the rich symbolism and vibrant imagery associated with this traditional Japanese motif. The Takarabune is a legendary treasure ship believed to bring good fortune, prosperity, and happiness, especially during the New Year celebrations.

Concept and Theme

The core idea is to depict the Takarabune sailing across the sea, laden with treasures and accompanied by the Seven Gods of Good Fortune (Shichifukujin). The illustration should evoke a sense of joy, prosperity, and auspiciousness.

Метки: 2024, artworks, B2B, B2C, design concept, FMCG, gift packaging, graphic design

Central Theme

1. The Ship (Takarabune): Depict a beautifully detailed, ornate ship sailing on stylized waves. The ship is often depicted as a richly decorated vessel, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
2. 2. The hieroglyphic inscription 宝船七福神, placed over the illustration, means «Ship of the Seven Gods,» and on the sides are Japanese inscriptions with the names of the gods sailing on the ship
3. The Seven Gods (Shichifukujin): Arrange the gods on the ship, each with distinctive attributes:
   • Ebisu: God of fishermen and luck, often holding a fishing rod and a fish (tai).
   • Daikokuten: God of wealth, with a mallet and rice baddy.
   • Bishamonten: God of warriors, armor, and treasure pagoda.
   • Benzaiten: Goddess of knowledge, music, and arts, often with a biwa (lute).
   • Fukurokuju: God of happiness, wealth, and longevity, with a tall hat and staff.
   • Hotei: The Laughing Buddha, with a large belly and a bag.
   • Jurōjin: God of longevity, often depicted with a scroll and staff.

Arrange them on the ship, interacting with the treasures or enjoying the voyage.

The illustration is created in the ukiyo-e style—Japanese traditional woodblock print style characterized by flowing lines combined with color spots. The process involved several stages: researching the gods’ images and iconographic attributes, composing the scene, and creating a finished illustration.

The packages are made using a combined technique: the main part of the image is printed, while waves and stars are separately drawn in vector graphics for embossing.

I will elaborate more on the stage of image development. On one hand, there is an established iconography for the ship and gods: each deity has distinctive features in appearance and clothing, along with specific attributes (fish, musical instrument, plum branch, scroll, sword, etc.). All these aspects need to be depicted to preserve iconographic accuracy. On the other hand, adhering to traditional iconography and stylistic techniques of Japanese graphics, it was necessary to create a unique image that does not copy existing works. Below are sketches made prior to creating the final illustration to study different depictions and techniques used in their creation.Illustration Inspired by the Japanese «Ship of the Seven Gods» (Takarabune)