Hotei, God of Happiness Japan Ceramic 20 ½” height x 17″ width x 10″ depth. Edo Period (1615-1868) Exceptional ceramic molded figure of Hotei, the God of Happiness and Plenty, often called the Laughing Buddha. Such figures were commonly placed above the irori (open hearth) in Japanese farmhouses, where they acquired a darkened patina from cooking fires. Positioned above the fire, Hotei was believed to ensure that the household cauldron remained full. For a similar example please see object 93.1.78 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. SOLD
