Kutani Ware Hotei with Karako Figure | Seven Gods of Fortune | Gilded Polychrome Ceramic Group Sculpture

Kutani Ware Hotei with Karako Figure

This Kutani ware sculpture depicts Hotei, one of Japan’s Seven Gods of Fortune, accompanied by a Karako child figure. Rendered as a reclining group composition, the work conveys happiness, generosity, and relaxed abundance through expressive form and narrative presence.

Hotei is traditionally associated with contentment, laughter, and spiritual wealth. In this example, he reclines comfortably with his head resting against one hand, while the Karako child perches playfully upon his shoulder. This pairing emphasizes joy, protection, and continuity across generations.

The ceramic surface is finished in dense Kutani polychrome enamels with gilded accents throughout the garments and base. Decorative motifs follow the sculpted contours, creating depth and visual rhythm while maintaining balance across the composition.

Who is Hotei?

Hotei is one of the Seven Gods of Fortune and is revered as a symbol of happiness, generosity, and contentment. Often depicted with a smiling expression and exposed belly, Hotei represents spiritual abundance and the joy of sharing. Karako child figures traditionally symbolize innocence, prosperity, and familial harmony.

Material & Craftsmanship

Crafted in Kutani ware, this sculpture demonstrates confident hand-modeling and layered enamel application. The group composition requires careful balance and integration of multiple figures, reflecting skilled workshop production rather than mass manufacture.

Condition Report

The sculpture shows age-related wear, surface patina, and minor abrasions consistent with vintage ceramic objects. No major structural cracks are observed. Condition characteristics align with long-term preservation and use.

Dimensions

• Width: approximately 22 cm
• Depth: approximately 17 cm
• Height: approximately 15.5 cm

Collector Relevance

This Kutani Hotei with Karako figure is well suited for collectors of Japanese folk belief, narrative ceramic sculpture, and symbolic interior objects. Its relaxed composition and storytelling quality make it ideal for shelves, alcoves, or curated display groupings.

Appealing to collectors who value warmth, humor, and human narrative in spiritual art, this piece offers a sense of lived joy rather than formal authority, enriching a space quietly and meaningfully.

Confidence & Verification Notes

Precise dating and kiln attribution cannot be conclusively established without institutional testing. Attribution to Kutani ware is based on glaze structure, decorative style, sculptural form, and comparative reference. All statements are made in good faith.

Authenticity & Stewardship

Evaluated under the Japonista Authentication Framework™:

• Material, carving, and surface-study comparison
• Iconographic and stylistic verification
• Condition and stability review (surface integrity)
• Construction assessment and handling-risk evaluation

Guaranteed 100% Authentic. Covered by the Japonista Lifetime Authenticity Warranty™.

A Note on Stewardship and Collecting

At Japonista, we approach Buddhist statues, sacred images, and ritual objects not merely as collectibles, but as cultural and spiritual artifacts deserving of respect, understanding, and careful presentation. Every piece we offer is thoughtfully examined, researched, and curated with sensitivity to its origin, meaning, and historical role.

Our role is not only to offer access to rare and meaningful objects, but to serve as responsible custodians—connecting the right works with collectors who value depth, intention, and authenticity.

Inquiries, Availability, and Private Consideration

Some of the cultural and heritage works may allow room for discussion, while others are held firmly due to rarity, condition, or cultural importance. All inquiries are reviewed personally and discreetly, and we welcome thoughtful questions or expressions of interest.

If you are exploring a particular theme, deity, lineage, or period—or seeking guidance in building a focused collection—our concierge team is always available to assist with quiet expertise and care.

Concierge Support & Collector Guidance

Japonista Concierge™ provides personalized assistance for collectors seeking deeper understanding, thoughtful acquisition, or long-term curation strategies. Whether your interest is devotional, scholarly, or aesthetic, we are here to help guide your journey with clarity and respect.

For select high-value or historically significant works, private reservation or structured payment arrangements may be available on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to discuss eligibility and discreet options.

Before Proceeding

We kindly encourage collectors to review our shop policies and house guidelines, available through the links in our website footer, which outline shipping, handling, and conditions specific to vintage, sacred, and collectible works.

A Closing Note

Thank you for exploring Japonista’s collection of Oriental Cultural Heritage and arts. We are honored to share these meaningful works and to help place them where they may continue to be appreciated, studied, and respected.

If you have questions or wish to explore related works, please feel free to contact Japonista Concierge™ at any time.