Antique sculpture depicting the god Hotei (Budai). Made of ceramics and decorated with hand-painted. There is a marking on the item confirming that the product belongs to Kutani ceramics. Japan, XX century.

Hotei (Budai) - a canvas or linen bag, the god of communication, fun and prosperity. One of the most popular netsuke characters.

According to one version, the prototype of God Hotei was a monk who traveled constantly. And everyone noticed that wherever he appeared, fun reigned around, and everyone was happy. In the end, they began to make figurines of him from various materials and put them at home, receiving wealth and happiness in return, and at the same time rewarding this person with symbolism and identifying it with these good events in their lives.