Hotei Pointing at the Moon 1650

This is Fūgai Ekun's ink on paper, made in Japan, depicting Hotei pointing at the moon. Hotei, with his famously large belly, symbolizes contentment and abundance, while the moon represents enlightenment in Zen Buddhism. Note the gesture of pointing, which is a motif across cultures and epochs. We see it in Renaissance art, guiding the viewer's gaze, and in ancient Roman sculptures, directing attention to the heavens. However, here, pointing at the moon is not just about guiding the eye. It is a pointer towards intuitive wisdom. The moon, an ancient symbol, transcends cultures. In some, it symbolizes the changing nature of existence and the cyclical aspects of life. It becomes a mirror reflecting the inner self. The image is a visual echo of our collective subconscious, resonating with a primal search for meaning and enlightenment. The gesture to look deeper into the subconscious is a timeless invitation.