Hotei (Budai) – Gio Ponti
Sculpture depicting Hotei (Budai), a wandering monk of Zen Buddhism, a Japanese deity of fortune (one of the Seven Gods of Fortune) traditionally a symbol of happiness, generosity, detachment and acceptance of impermanence. The figure, placed on a rectangular architectural base, rendered with compact and synthetic volumes, respects the traditional iconography: the smiling face, the prominent belly, the relaxed posture and in the right hand the sack full of treasures for the needy.
The surface is decorated with rich floral polychromy and stylized oriental motifs, embellished with extensive use of gold, according to a particularly refined decorative variant compared to the known monochrome versions.
Under the base there is a Japanese proverb transliterated in Latin script, handwritten in red:
“Awase mono wa hanare mono” (??????????)
[«What meets is destined to separate»]
Buddhist maxim linked to the concept of impermanence (mujo).
San Cristoforo sul Naviglio (Milan); 1928-30.
Manufacturer: Richard Ginori
Period: 1928/30
Author: Gio Ponti
Material: Earthenware
Dimensions: h 17.5 x 20 x 17 cm
