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Antique
Japanese Ivory Okimono
Hotei
God of Luck /
Shichifukujin
Artist
Signature: Signed, 19th
Century
H 4.25 in.(11cm.), W 2.5in.(6.3cm.), D 1.75 in.(4.5cm.)
Condition: good, crack line
The
Happy Buddha is believed to be an reincarnation of Manjushri,
the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. He is lovingly called Hotei, "The
Cloth Sack Buddha" in Japan. The Happy Buddha, or Laughing
Buddha is probably the most popular of the Seven Gods of Good
Fortune. He is worshipped as the God of Happiness, and also
looked upon as the Protector of Children. Hotei was thought
to be a 10th Century Chinese monk, an eccentric wanderer with
a large belly and an empty sack. It's note worthy that his
large belly isn't from a result of excessive eating, but rather
an indication of his life force, which in Chinese is known
as Qi (chi). In addition, his empty sack is actually a treasure
bag. Hotei is believed to dispense riches to the poor and
needy at will.
Estimated
value: $450
• [ MAKE OFFER ] •
or call: 510-918-2333
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