| 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. Private Collection | 
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