Hotei Pointing at the Moon 1650

"Hotei Pointing at the Moon," painted in 1650 by Fūgai Ekun, depicts the jovial Buddhist deity Hotei in a seated pose pointing at the moon. The simple, expressive brushstrokes of this ink-on-paper hanging scroll convey the spirit of Zen Buddhism. This artwork is an example of Japanese painting from the Edo period, a time known for its focus on Zen aesthetics and the pursuit of enlightenment through contemplation and simplicity. The painting's minimal composition and subtle details invite viewers to pause and contemplate the beauty of the natural world.