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Japanese Ivory & Wood Okimono Happy
Buddha
Hotei with Fan Signed:
Gyokusen. Mid 20th century
H 5.75 in.(14.5cm.), W 2.75 in.(7cm.), D 2 in.(5cm.)
Condition: Good, crack line on wood
A Happy
Buddha, whose corpulent presence promises abundance. Head, hands and feet are
carved in fine cream colored ivory handsomely set with striking contrast into
dark fruitwood. The face is deeply and marvelously realized, evoking a warm and
nurturing kindliness. With his sack, inro, fan and staff, the Buddha wanders the
countryside dispensing good fortune. His huge belly, signifying the great expanse
of his powers, is marked by a burl with concentric circles, emphasizing his ponderous
girth. This beautiful grain flows over the entire piece and is an important factor
in its effectiveness, merging the various details and unifying the design. --RW Private Collection |