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Superb Japanese Meiji (Late 19thc) Bronze of Hotei, Isami Shibata
Sold by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
sold SA1147105
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2021
Browse dealers 35 items
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Id #SA1147105
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Superb Japanese Meiji (Late 19thc) Bronze of Hotei, Isami Shibata

19th century
Sold 8 June 2025 · Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
This “Superb Japanese Meiji (Late 19thc) Bronze of Hotei, Isami Shibata” found a buyer.

It was listed by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Description

Charming Japanese Meiji (late 19thC) bronze of Hotei – god of fortune, guardian of children, patron of diviners and barmen, and also the god of popularity (one of the Japanese Seven Lucky Gods) – by Isami Shibata. Hotei is depicted trailing his large sack of ‘alms’ in typical pose with large naked stomach, laughing uproariously with his head thrown back. Signed on the base. 11cm wide x 17.5cm deep x 25.5cm high, weight 2.3kg.

Excellent original condition.

Hotei, also known as the "Laughing Buddha" or "Smiling Monk," is a popular Japanese Buddhist deity and one of the Seven Lucky Gods. He is depicted as a cheerful, plump monk, often carrying a large bag, and is a symbol of happiness, luck, prosperity, and generosity. Hotei is associated with children and is often shown with them, reflecting his joyful and carefree nature.

Date of Manufacture

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

Physical Dimensions
Height
25.5cm (10.04")
Width
11cm (4.33")
Depth
17.5cm (6.89")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1147105
Dealers Internal Reference
AD1174
Description
Charming Japanese Meiji (late 19thC) bronze of Hotei – god of fortune, guardian of children, patron of diviners and barmen, and also the god of popularity (one of the Japanese Seven Lucky Gods) – by Isami Shibata.
“
Hotei is depicted trailing his large sack of ‘alms’ in typical pose with large naked stomach, laughing uproariously with his head thrown back.
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Signed on the base. 11cm wide x 17.5cm deep x 25.5cm high, weight 2.3kg.

fig 1. A dark brown bronze standing figure of Hotei with an expressive laughing face and detailed robes, viewed from the front against a neutral background.
fig 1. Superb Japanese Meiji (Late 19thc) Bronze of Hotei, Isami Shibata

Excellent original condition.

Hotei, also known as the "Laughing Buddha" or "Smiling Monk," is a popular Japanese Buddhist deity and one of the Seven Lucky Gods. He is depicted as a cheerful, plump monk, often carrying a large bag, and is a symbol of happiness, luck, prosperity, and generosity. Hotei is associated with children and is often shown with them, reflecting his joyful and carefree nature.

Date of Manufacture

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

Height
25.5cm (10.04")
Width
11cm (4.33")
Depth
17.5cm (6.89")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1147105
Dealers Internal Ref
AD1174
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2021
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art Profile Page

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A dark brown bronze standing figure of Hotei with an expressive laughing face and detailed robes, viewed from the front against a neutral background. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I A dark brown bronze standing figure of Hotei with an expressive laughing face and detailed robes, viewed from the front against a neutral background. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Superb Japanese Meiji (Late 19thc) Bronze of Hotei, Isami Shibata

Archive II A dark brown bronze standing figure of Hotei with an expressive laughing face and detailed robes, viewed from the front against a neutral background. View II
Archive III A dark brown bronze standing figure of Hotei with an expressive laughing face and detailed robes, viewed from the front against a neutral background. View III
Archive IV A dark brown bronze standing figure of Hotei with an expressive laughing face and detailed robes, viewed from the front against a neutral background. View IV
Archive V A dark brown bronze standing figure of Hotei with an expressive laughing face and detailed robes, viewed from the front against a neutral background. View V
Archive VI A dark brown bronze standing figure of Hotei with an expressive laughing face and detailed robes, viewed from the front against a neutral background. View VI
Archive VII A dark brown bronze standing figure of Hotei with an expressive laughing face and detailed robes, viewed from the front against a neutral background. View VII
Archive VIII A dark brown bronze standing figure of Hotei with an expressive laughing face and detailed robes, viewed from the front against a neutral background. View VIII
Archive IX A dark brown bronze standing figure of Hotei with an expressive laughing face and detailed robes, viewed from the front against a neutral background. View IX
Archive X A dark brown bronze standing figure of Hotei with an expressive laughing face and detailed robes, viewed from the front against a neutral background. View X
Archive XI A dark brown bronze standing figure of Hotei with an expressive laughing face and detailed robes, viewed from the front against a neutral background. View XI
Archive XII A dark brown bronze standing figure of Hotei with an expressive laughing face and detailed robes, viewed from the front against a neutral background. View XII
Archive XIII A dark brown bronze standing figure of Hotei with an expressive laughing face and detailed robes, viewed from the front against a neutral background. View XIII
Enlarged Archival View
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Telephone 07975 614592
Location
Bath
Somerset
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/antikdragon
Verified Since Oct 2021
Items For Sale 35
Items Sold 783
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Verified Since Oct 2021
View Dealer Info
Location: Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/antikdragon
Verified
Oct 2021
For Sale
35
Sold
783
A dark brown bronze standing figure of Hotei with an expressive laughing face and detailed robes, viewed from the front against a neutral background.
Superb Japanese Meiji (late 19thC) Bronze of Hotei, Isami Shibata
Ref: SA1147105
A dark brown bronze standing figure of Hotei with an expressive laughing face and detailed robes, viewed from the front against a neutral background.
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculpture
  • Period19th century
  • StyleMeiji
  • MaterialBronze
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsLaughing expression, Exposed belly, Draped robes, Extended earlobes
  • SizeH 25.5 cm (10 in) x W 11 cm (4 in) x D 17.5 cm (7 in)

FAQs

The Meiji period spans from 1868 to 1912, a time of rapid modernisation during which Japanese metalworkers and sculptors achieved unprecedented technical mastery in bronze casting, exporting exceptional works globally.

Meiji period sculptures were typically crafted using the lost-wax casting method, utilising high-grade copper and bronze alloys, often finished with complex chemical patination techniques to achieve deep, rich surface tones.

Authentic pieces generally feature meticulous hand-chasing, heavy weight relative to size, naturalistic ageing, and frequently bear maker signatures, artist seals, or foundry marks carved directly into the metal base.

An antique bronze can serve as a sophisticated focal point on a mantlepiece, console table, or within a bookshelf, adding historical depth and sculptural texture to contemporary minimalist or maximalist schemes alike.

Preserve antique bronze by dusting gently with a soft, dry cloth and avoiding all chemical cleaners, water, or abrasive polishes which can strip the historical patina and diminish the objects value.
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