Rare and unusual Isho-ningyo of Hotei, one of the seven gods of good fortune, head and torso of wood covered in a fine white gofun with painted details, large pendant earlobes signifying his divinity, depicted with the bald head of a monk, exposed chest, wearing a silk brocade robe lightly closed and secured by a silk obi tie belt, holding a treasure sack with walking staff in his right hand and a Chinese-style fan in his left, mounted on a contemporary black lacquer, Hotei was a Chinese monk who eschewed the ascetic life style for living among the people, drinking in public road houses and playing with street urchins, he is sometimes referred to as the Buddha of Happiness, minor fading, signs of wear, overall fine condition.
Published: Ningyo: The Art of the Japanese Doll, 197, 198
Exhibited: Mingei International Museum, 2007