KUTANI PORCELAIN FIGURINEJapan, 20th century--VINTAGE KUTANI FIGURINESJapan, 1900'sDESCRIPTION / DESCRIPTIONSubject: Hotei is part of the Chinese Taoist tradition. Represented as a plump, laughing man, he is the deity of joy and happiness and commonly defined as the protector of children. His name means "linen bag" and he is in fact portrayed with a bag on his shoulder containing gifts which he distributes to the children around him. According to other interpretations, his sack is full of clothes and everyday objects which he distributes to the poor and needy. Hotei's image has not always been portrayed in the same way; in various decorative and ornamental objects, also used in Japanese shows, he appears with other guises.In the West he is also called the "smiling Buddha", due to his always happy expression and his round face. Like Fukurokuju and Jurojin, he also has a fan that he carries underneath his large belly, which his clothes cannot completely cover. Material: porcelainAuthor: marked on the bottom with Japanese charactersEra: 20th centuryOrigin: JapanConditions: very good (look at the photos, consider the age)Measures: height = 15 cm--Subjects: Hotei is the god of fortune, guardian of children, patron of diviners and barmen, and also the god of popularity. He is depicted as a fat, smiling, bald man with a curly moustache. He always appears half-naked, as his clothes are not wide enough to cover his enormous belly. He blessed the Chinese, and they nicknamed him "Cho-Tei-Shi" or "Ho-Tei-Shi", which means 'bag of old clothes'.Hotei was a Zen priest, but his appearance and some of his actions were against their moral code: his appearance made him look like quite a mischievous person and he had no fixed place to sleep.He carries a bag on his shoulders which is loaded with fortunes for those who believe in his virtues. Hotei's traits and virtues are contentment, magnanimous and happiness.Material: porcelainBack stamp: japanese marks Date of creation: 1900'sOrigins: JapanCondition: very good, no chips, no cracks, or repairs. (Please look at all the pictures, they are part of the description, consider the age)Measures in cm: height = 15 cmMeasures in inches: 5.90"VISIT MY STORE BELBELLO-ANTIQUESClick hereVISIT MY eCRATER STORE BELBELLO-ANTIQUESClick here!PAYMENT / PAYMENTWe accept the main payment methods.-----We accept the most popular payment methods. SHIPPING / SHIPPINGInsured and tracked shipping with delivery throughout Italy within 2-4 working days.International shipping is available.It is possible to pick it up by hand at our warehouse in Turin by making an appointment and at no additional cost.Each item is carefully packaged.We offer shipping discounts for multiple purchases.-----Trackable and insured shipping.International shipping time: 3-7 working days.Local pick up available in Turin (Italy).We combine shipping, you can buy multiple items and we will make a discount on the shipping cost.  REFUND / RETURNReturn possible according to the law.-----We accept returns.FURTHER INFORMATION / NOTESFor viewing in person, any high resolution photographs or requests for clarification do not hesitate to contact us.-----For any additional information or high resolution pictures feel free to contact us, we will be happy to answer your questions.Subject: Hotei is part of the Chinese Taoist tradition. Represented as a plump, laughing man, he is the deity of joy and happiness and commonly defined as the protector of children. His name means "linen bag" and he is in fact portrayed with a bag on his shoulder containing gifts which he distributes to the children around him. According to other interpretations, his sack is full of clothes and everyday objects which he distributes to the poor and needy. Hotei's image has not always been portrayed in the same way; in various decorative and ornamental objects, also used in Japanese shows, he appears with other guises. Subjects: Hotei is the god of fortune, guardian of children, patron of diviners and barmen, and also the god of popularity. He is depicted as a fat, smiling, bald man with a cSubject: Hotei is part of the Chinese Taoist tradition. Represented as a plump, laughing man, he is the deity of joy and happiness and commonly defined as the protector of children. His name means "linen bag" and he is in fact portrayed with a bag on his shoulder containing gifts which he distributes to the children around him. According to other interpretations, his sack is full of clothes and everyday objects which he distributes to the poor and needy. Hotei's image has not always been portrayed in the same way; in various decorative and ornamental objects, also used in Japanese shows, he appears with other guises. Subjects: Hotei is the god of fortune, guardian of children, patron of diviners and barmen, and also the god of popularity. He is depicted as a fat, smiling, bald man with a c