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Overview - iroshizuku 100th Anniversary inks Pilot celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 2018. And as part of the anniversary package, they also revealed seven new inks in their iroshizuku line. I bought these inks soon after they were released but totally forgot about them. They recently resurfaced, and I plan to do full reviews of them in the (near or not so near future). As an appetizer, I present you with a quick but tasty overview of what to expect. There are seven inks in this anniversary series, based on the lucky number seven. Inspiration comes from the “shichifukujin” or the Seven Lucky Gods. These can be found at temples all over Japan but are especially celebrated during the first seven days of the year. At that time, the “shichifukujin” board the treasure boat “Takarabune” and descend to earth bringing the prospect of luck and good fortune. The beautiful Ukiyo-e woodprint above, created by the artist Hiroshige shows the Seven Lucky Gods aboard their vessel. Ebisu is the god of work and patron of fishermen and tradesmen. He’s typically shown with his fishing rod in one hand, while carrying a large red Tai (red snapper) in the other. Ebisu has come to symbolize business prosperity, and is often spotted in small shrines of shopkeepers. Daikokuten evolved from a warrior god into the god of agriculture and rice. He carries a hammer that grants wishes in one hand, and a bag of treasure in the other. Benzaiten is a patron of artists. She is the goddess of all things that flow – water, music, time… She is credited for bringing the rain needed for a plentiful harvest, making her a provider of great wealth. Bishamonten is the god of warriors and punisher of evildoers. He is the protector of the righteous, rewarding his followers with riches and good fortune. He’s often depicted with a lance in his hand, standing atop a pile of slain devils. Fukurokuju is the god of happiness, wealth and longevity and has the ability to bring back the dead. He is eaily recognizable by his long forehead and walking staff. Jurojin is the god of wisdom, depicted with a walking stick and scroll. This scroll contains all the wisom of the world, and has inscribed on it all the good and bad deeds of mortal men. And finally, there is Hotei – the cheerful god of happiness and contentment. His defining feature is the large sack he carries (and also his round belly). His sack of food is never empty and is used to feed the poor and the needy. Jurojin is my favourite ink from this series, closely followed by hoteison and benzaiten. I already reviewed jurojin, and plan to do full reviews of hoteison and benzaiten. The other inks in the series don’t really speak to me. No full reviews planned for these, but they might appear in short inkflashes.