Young Boy Beseeching Hotei c. late 18th century

Kitao Shigemasa created this woodblock print of a Young Boy Beseeching Hotei, whose origins are rooted in Chan Buddhism, with the rotund figure representing contentment and abundance. Consider the recurring image of Hotei throughout history, from ancient Chinese paintings to contemporary pop culture. His ever-present smile and generous belly speak to a universal desire for happiness and prosperity. Note that Hotei is holding a sack and a fan; the sack symbolizes a collection of woes and fortunes, and the fan, a symbol of wish granting. These motifs remind us of the cyclical nature of life and the hope for benevolence, revealing a deep-seated longing for emotional and spiritual fulfilment. These objects are rooted in the subconscious, and hold a key to understanding our shared human experience across time and cultures. This image reflects the powerful and cyclical progression of symbols, evolving and resurfacing in different historical contexts and carrying complex cultural meaning.