Antique Japanese Satsuma Hotei Okimono Uchiwa Fan Gilt Meiji Period 14.5"

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Description

Impressive large antique Japanese Satsuma earthenware okimono depicting Hotei, the beloved Japanese God of Happiness, Contentment and Good Fortune and … Read more Impressive large antique Japanese Satsuma earthenware okimono depicting Hotei, the beloved Japanese God of Happiness, Contentment and Good Fortune and one of the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin).

Hotei is depicted with his characteristic joyful expression and exposed belly, carrying his large treasure sack over his shoulder and holding a traditional round uchiwa fan. The substantial figure is richly decorated in vibrant polychrome enamels with extensive gilt accents, intricate floral and foliate motifs, raised white enamel/moriage detailing, and elaborate patterned robes and sack.

The underside has a distinctive textured unglazed surface with a circular impressed Japanese maker/workshop seal and firing/vent hole. The impressed mark is partially obscured by the textured surface and has not been conclusively attributed to a specific Satsuma workshop. For that reason, no specific maker attribution is being made.

Based on the form, construction, decoration, and comparison with documented Japanese Satsuma Hotei figures, this example is believed to date to the late Meiji period, circa 1890–1910.

A particularly substantial decorative example at approximately 14.5" tall and over 9 pounds, giving it considerably more presence than many smaller Satsuma Hotei figures.

Measurements: Approximately 14.5" H × 9" W × 8.5" D
Weight: Approximately 9 lb 5 oz
Origin: Japan
Period: Late Meiji, circa 1890–1910
Material: Earthenware / ceramic with polychrome enamel, raised decoration and gilt
Mark: Circular impressed maker/workshop seal to underside; maker currently unidentified

Condition: Excellent antique condition with age-appropriate minor surface and gilt wear. Please review all photographs closely for the most accurate representation of condition and decoration.

A striking and unusually large example of Japanese Satsuma figural ware, well suited to a collection of Meiji-period Japanese ceramics, Satsuma ware, Buddhist/Asian decorative arts, or Seven Lucky Gods figures. 7387 See less