Hotei, flanked by panels of birds 1467 - 1499

This hanging scroll, "Hotei, flanked by panels of birds," was created by the Japanese artist Kenkō Shōkei in the late 15th century. The artwork depicts Hotei, one of the Seven Lucky Gods in Japanese tradition, known for his jovial nature and association with wealth and happiness. Shōkei's ink and wash painting features a bold, expressive style with a light and airy composition, highlighting the figure of Hotei against a plain background. This ink painting is a fine example of the Japanese artistic tradition and offers a glimpse into Shōkei's masterful ink handling, contributing to the dynamic and lively portrayal of this iconic figure.