Hotei 1615 - 1799

"Hotei," a hanging scroll by the renowned Japanese painter Kano Tan'yū, depicts the jolly Buddhist deity Hotei, known for his cheerful disposition and overflowing sack of wealth. Painted in a loose, gestural style, Tan'yū captures Hotei's playful nature with a light touch. The composition, centered around Hotei's figure, contrasts the simplicity of his form with the vastness of the surrounding space, highlighting the deity's presence. This painting, created during the Edo period (1615-1868), exemplifies Tan'yū's mastery of ink painting and his ability to evoke a sense of tranquility and joy.