Hotei, the god of contentment and happiness...

Posted by Judy (Brooksville, Florida, United States) on 29 February 2008 in Art & Design and Portfolio.

"One more in the 'Seven Deities of Good Fortune' - his name is Hotei, the god of contentment and happiness. Generally he is depicted holding a big bag and a fan (which is called in Japanese "ogi"). He is said to be the only human being among the Seven Deities. At this angle, his fan and bag show." Thank you so much, Gabriela & Yoshiyuki for helping us identify these old ivory pieces.
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Hotei stands 5" tall and is about 3" belly-to-bag [12.7 cm x 7.62 cm].
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This is the second in a collection, which was bought by my husband's grandfather in the early 1900's.

Thank you so much for visiting my blog; your comments are greatly appreciated. I apologize for not getting to all of your posts. I will visit as time permits.

---~--- Philippians 4:13 'We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.' ... <*}}}><
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Comments (8)

Marion from Nanaimo, BC, Canada

Oh what a fat little tummy. I love his little toes sticking out from beneath his robe. Look at that smile, he makes one laugh. Delightful collection Judy.

29 Feb 2008 8:25am

@Marion: Thanks, Marion, and you're right; he's hard to look at without smiling.

Japanalia from Yokohama, Japan

I like him so much because I cannot look at that smiling face without smiling myself! (they say that fat people are happy people!)

29 Feb 2008 11:16am

@Japanalia: Hmmm, maybe that's why I'm happy? ... *big smile*

Lorraine from Gatineau, Canada

Absolutely priceless, please, please show more :)

29 Feb 2008 11:39am

@Lorraine: There are more coming, as I wrote on yesterday's, through March 10th. :D

Viewfinder from Bradenton, United States

His "gut" reminds me of someone I know... Cool image Judy. I like this series a lot.

29 Feb 2008 12:36pm

@Viewfinder: Thank you, VF. Both Hotei and VF bring smiles to my face!

Barbara from Florida, United States

I must say Judy I find this a stunning piece. The detail and character are remarkable. The features are realistic (and perhaps the tummy for some) You presented and captured this very well with wonderful light and close up. It is so wonderful I can't stop looking at it.

29 Feb 2008 3:41pm

@Barbara: Thank you, Barb. I realized I hadn't posted his measurements, so I've just added that. He is a delight!