Hotei Opening His Bag which Is Full of Small Boys 1776 - 1856

Kita Busei created this woodblock print, "Hotei Opening His Bag which Is Full of Small Boys" sometime between the late 18th and mid-19th century. During this period, Japan's art world was deeply influenced by the social mobility of its burgeoning merchant class. Here we see Hotei, a jolly god of contentment and abundance, gleefully opening his sack to release a cascade of children. The imagery here cleverly reflects the complex relationship between desire and identity. In a society where lineage and family were paramount, the image of Hotei spilling forth children speaks volumes about the cultural emphasis placed on fertility and the continuation of the family name. Furthermore, consider the emotional context; the delight on Hotei's face as he unleashes these children evokes a sense of joy and playfulness. This speaks to a deep-seated longing for posterity and the emotional fulfillment derived from familial bonds. Busei’s print invites us to reflect on the ways in which our desires are shaped by the societies we inhabit.