This embroidery focuses on Benzaiten, the Japanese goddess of music, talent, water and health. A multifaceted figure often depicted with four arms, she is shown here playing the biwa instrument. The sakura branches and the crane motif—both common in traditional Japanese art—serve as references to Japanese aesthetics. Because of her association with seas and lakes, the hem of her robe transforms into waves in this embroidery. Benzaiten is the only female deity among the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin) of Japan.