| Hotei was a real monk in China, known for his large belly and the big sack he carried on his back. He is regarded as a magnanimous and harmonious figure who presides over wealth and prosperity. In Japan, he is one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune. His bag came to be seen as a “bag of forbearance.” He was also fond of children, and Hotei and Tang children are a common motif in auspicious theme. This piece features shakudo ground, lively depictions of Hotei on the kashira and of dancing lion-playing Tang children on the fuchi. The signature ‘Yoshihiro [美廣]’ indicates the Mito Tamagawa [玉川] school jadging from the mei style of “美” and features of work. It has passed the Tokubetsu Hozon Tosogu shinsa in 2023. |
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