Japanese Ivory & Wood Okimono
Happy Buddha
Hotei with Fan
Signed: Gyokusen. Mid 20th century
H 5.75 in.(14.5cm.), W 2.75 in.(7cm.), D 2 in.(5cm.)
Condition: Good, crack line on wood

A Happy Buddha, whose corpulent presence promises abundance. Head, hands and feet are carved in fine cream colored ivory handsomely set with striking contrast into dark fruitwood. The face is deeply and marvelously realized, evoking a warm and nurturing kindliness. With his sack, inro, fan and staff, the Buddha wanders the countryside dispensing good fortune. His huge belly, signifying the great expanse of his powers, is marked by a burl with concentric circles, emphasizing his ponderous girth. This beautiful grain flows over the entire piece and is an important factor in its effectiveness, merging the various details and unifying the design. --RW

Private Collection