Hotei's Treasure Bag
Artist
Japanese (Japanese)
Date
Late 19th centuryMedium
BronzeDimensions
Work : 24 3/4 x 22 x 22 in. (62.87 x 55.88 x 55.88 cm)Credit Line
Gift of David Kamansky and Gerald WheatonObject Number
2014.23.248
Label
Hotei is one of the seven gods of good fortune in traditional Japanese popular culture. He is often portrayed as a fat, cheerful Buddhist monk carrying a large cloth bag from which he dispenses gifts to those in need. This sculpture of Hotei’s treasure bag was probably made for display in a garden or other public place where people could touch it or place offerings in it to receive Hotei’s blessing.