Antique Japanese Ink Painting of Hotei 'Laughing Buddha' by Kita Busei, Edo Period, c.1820-1850

A superb and authentic Japanese ink and light colour painting on silk, executed by a masterful hand during the late Edo period (c. 1820-1850).

The work is a quintessential depiction of Hotei, the beloved Japanese God of Contentment and Good Fortune. He is rendered with remarkable dynamism and personality, striding forward with his iconic cloth sack (or Budai, his namesake) slung over a staff and prayer beads in hand.

This is a confident work by the renowned artist Kita Busei (Japanese, 1776–1856). The attribution is firmly secured by the artist's four-character calligraphic signature in the upper left, 可庵知物 (Ka-an Chimotsu), and his two personal seals. The round relief seal reads 'Ka-an' (可庵), one of his primary art names, while the square intaglio seal below reads 'Busei no in' (武清之印), meaning "Seal of Busei."

Kita Busei was a celebrated pupil of the great master Tani Bunchō and a versatile artist who blended the formal Kanō school, decorative Rinpa, and literati (Nanga) styles. His work is held in the collections of the British Museum, the Harvard Art Museums, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The brushwork here is exemplary, showing the fluid, expressive sumi-e (ink wash) lines in the robes, contrasted with the fine, controlled draftsmanship of the face and hands.   

Presented in a stunning, handmade, minimalist solid teak timber frame with an archival acid-free broad mat and UV-protective glass, this piece is a rare and exceptional work. It is an ideal acquisition for a discerning collector, blending historical gravitas with a joyful, uplifting spirit.

Artist: Kita Busei (喜多武清, 1776–1856)

Title: Hotei with Sack and Rosary

Period: Late Edo Period, c. 1820-1850

Medium: Ink and light colour on silk

Frame Dimensions: H.80 x W.60 cm

Condition: Very good antique condition, consistent with its age. The silk shows light, even toning. Professionally matted and framed under UV-protective glass in a custom made solid teak timber frame.