Charming Japanese Meiji (Late 19thc) Bronze of Hotei, Masamitsu

19th century

Sold by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Description

Japanese Meiji (late 19thC) bronze of Hotei by Masamitsu. Hotei is distinguished by his body of generous proportions and round stomach exposed beneath loose robes (his large belly is a symbol of happiness, luck and generosity). In his right hand he an uchiwa, a flat fan of Chinese orgin used by ancient chieftains as an emblem of authority and wish granting. Signed on the reverse. 13cm x 10cm x 23.5cm high, weight 3.25kg.

Excellent condition and patina.

Hotei is one of the Shichi Fukujin, the seven Japanese Shinto gods of luck. He is the god of happiness, laughter and the wisdom of contentment, and is the patron of the weak and children, fortunetellers and bartenders. In Chinese Buddhism he is known as Budai, the Loving or Friendly One, who was a wandering Chan Buddhist monk who lived in the ninth century.

Physical Dimensions

Height

23.5cm (9.25")

Width

13cm (5.12")

Depth

10cm (3.94")

Declaration

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1132429

Dealers Internal Reference

AD1117

Description

Japanese Meiji (late 19thC) bronze of Hotei by Masamitsu.

“

Hotei is distinguished by his body of generous proportions and round stomach exposed beneath loose robes (his large belly is a symbol of happiness, luck and generosity).

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

In his right hand he an uchiwa, a flat fan of Chinese orgin used by ancient chieftains as an emblem of authority and wish granting. Signed on the reverse. 13cm x 10cm x 23.5cm high, weight 3.25kg.

fig 1. Charming Japanese Meiji (late 19thC) bronze of Hotei, Masamitsu — fig 1. Charming Japanese Meiji (Late 19thc) Bronze of Hotei, Masamitsu

Excellent condition and patina.

Hotei is one of the Shichi Fukujin, the seven Japanese Shinto gods of luck. He is the god of happiness, laughter and the wisdom of contentment, and is the patron of the weak and children, fortunetellers and bartenders. In Chinese Buddhism he is known as Budai, the Loving or Friendly One, who was a wandering Chan Buddhist monk who lived in the ninth century.