Antique sculpture of the god Hotei with gumbai. Ceramics, painting. Japan, 20th century

Hotei is one of the seven eastern gods of happiness, the god of fun, communication, in whose canvas bag luck and goodness are hidden. The figure of the “laughing Buddha” is designed to fill the house with wealth; his appearance is always awaited with hope. After all, with it comes long-awaited prosperity. Here Hotei is depicted with a gumbai (gyoji fan), which is used to give signals, previously such battle fans were only used by high-ranking officials and to deflect enemy arrows.