Japanese Ivory Hotei figure, Meiji Period, 19th century

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Nice quality carved ivory figure of Hotei, the god of happiness, carved from a large solid lump of ivory, shown seated with one hand resting on one knee, with a double-strand necklace in the other hand.
Meiji period,
earlier 19th century

10cm high, 8.5cm wide.
(a big block of ivory)

Good with minor signs of age, some discoloured rifts mainly on the back.

Hotei is one of the Shichi Fukujin, the seven Japanese Shinto-gods of luck. He is the god of happiness, laughter and the wisdom of contentment, and is the patron of the weak and children, fortunetellers and bartenders. Hotei is distinguished by his body of generous proportions and round stomach exposed beneath loose robes. His big belly is a symbol of happiness, luck and generosity.