rare 1800’s hotei clay doll - a beautiful amulet of happiness and protection

Love Japanese Style Like We Do

Discover a true gem of Japanese history with this stunning 1800s Fushimi Hotei clay doll, a rare find that brings both beauty and luck to your home. A symbol of contentment, happiness, and the guardian of children, this charming doll is more than just a decorative piece—it’s a timeless token of good fortune and spiritual peace.

A Unique Symbol of Good Fortune: Shaped in the form of Hotei, the beloved god of contentment, this exquisite clay doll embodies joy, laughter, and abundance. Hotei’s large belly and beaming smile are the epitome of good vibes, while his magical cloth bag, never empty, represents endless blessings.

Historical & Spiritual Significance: This Fushimi clay doll dates back to the Edo period and was traditionally purchased as a good luck charm at shops near Inari shrines, including the famous Fushimi Shrine. It was displayed on the kamidana (sacred shelf), where it received daily prayers.

A Piece of Japan’s Mingei Tradition: Made from bisque clay, this rare tsuchi ningyo (clay doll) was crafted using a split mold, fired, and then hand-painted with mineral pigments to bring it to life. The wear from time has added to its rustic, wabi-sabi charm—giving it a beautiful, weathered appearance that’s highly valued in Japan.

A Whimsical Custom: Historically, those who purchased a Hotei doll to ward off bad luck would break the doll and throw it into the river if they encountered misfortune. If luck remained on their side, they would collect a new doll each year. Once seven Hotei figures, in ascending size were gathered, they were dedicated to the Inari Shrine as a way of showing gratitude for seven years of peace and prosperity. Collection of the seven figures, from the smallest size, would start again, with each Hotei statue being lined up on the kamidana. 

Wabi-Sabi Aesthetic: Over time, the doll has developed a stunning, rustic patina—accumulated dust, soot, and fading paint from its place on a kamidana have created a soft, gray finish that highlights its age and authenticity. This weathered beauty is a cherished condition in Japanese culture, making this piece not only a symbol of luck but a treasured antique.

A Truly Special Addition to Any Collection: Whether you're a collector of Japanese antiques, a lover of cultural history, or someone seeking unique home decor, this Fushimi Hotei doll is a one-of-a-kind find. Its blend of history, artistry, and tradition makes it a stunning conversation piece and a meaningful addition to any space.

Embrace the magic and serenity of this enchanting Hotei clay doll - its smile and symbolic presence are sure to bring peace and contentment to your life.

- measures around 27 cm (10.6”) tall  x 22 cm (8.6”) across x 10 cm (4”) deep.
- weighs 1,400 gm.

(listing for clay doll only)

SHIPPING INFORMATION
- please read our shipping notes in shipping policy. 
- we use recycle packaging wherever possible and wrap for safety, rather than appearance!

ABOUT OUR VINTAGE, ANTIQUE AND OTHER  ITEMS
We list pieces we feel are worthy of display. There may be scratches, dents, fading and signs of wear and tear. We try to explain the condition of each item exactly, but may miss something.

Information regarding the item and it’s age is obtained from dealers and our personal research. We do our best to give you the correct information but please be aware that we cannot guarantee this information.

Please message us prior to purchase with any questions you may have about our products.

FUSHIMI CLAY DOLLS
Fushimi clay dolls were first made in the Fushimi area from the end of the Momoyama (1573-1615) to Edo (1615-1868) Era. They were made using the clay of Mt Inari near Fushimi Inari Shrine and sold and carried all over the country as lucky charms. It was said, if Fushimi dolls were broken, children’s diseases would be healed and if the pieces were sown in fields it would ensure a good harvest. About 20 kilns specialized in their production in the Meiji (1868-1912) Era, but during the Showa (1926-1989) Era they continued to close until only a few remain at present.

Originally Fushimi figures were viewed as everyday objects and children’s toys and were used for moral education using characters from Japanese folklore. They were also thought to possess religious and spiritual meaning,  and Shinto deities were also produced.

Clay figurines are made in split molds, fired in a kiln, and then decorated with white chalk pigment (gofun) and colored mineral pigments. There are about 2,000 known types of molds. Many of the molds have been used since the Edo period (1615-1869).

HOTEI 
Hotei is one of Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods and is the god of contentment and happiness. He has a very cheerful face and a large protruding belly. He is known outside of Japan as the Fat Buddha or the Happy Buddha. He usually carries a "Nunobukuro" (cloth bag) over his back.  This is a magical bag and one that never empties.  From his sack, Hotei cheerfully gives out items to those in need.

In Japanese "Ho Tei" actually means cloth bag.  As well as carrying a cloth bag, Hotel can be seen holding a Chinese fan called an "Oogi". This is said to be a wish fulfilling fan.  Apparently, the same type of fan was used by the aristocracy in feudal times to indicate to workers that their requests had been granted.

The god Hotei was supposedly an actual Chinese Buddhist monk who lived in the 10th century in China.  Apparently, this monk had a large protruding stomach which is a defining feature of Hotei today.  The monk was also a very good speaker, could quote religious texts and considered himself to be a bit of a fortuneteller.

In present day Japan, as well as being the god of contentment, Hotei is known to be very forgiving, a protector of children and is worshipped by attorneys, politicians, cooks, bartenders and fortunetellers. In Japanese art, sometimes Hotei is depicted surrounded by small children who are obviously delighted by his round shape.  In recent years, Hotei has become the patron saint of restaurateurs and bartenders in Japan. And sometimes, when someone overeats, they jokingly say it is because they were influenced by Hotei.

MINGEI
Mingei are the tools and utensils that were used daily by the common people in Japan. They were inexpensive, simple and functional. Usually produced by hand, in large quantities, their artists were anonymous. They became representative of the local area where they were produced.

The word Mingei combines “min” meaning common people and “gei” meaning art - the art of the common people. It was coined by the Japanese philosopher  Sōetsu Yanagi. He found beauty in ordinary crafts for daily use and argued that true beauty could be found only in the objects made by unknown people, in a spirit of selfless innocence and in close harmony with nature.

WABI SABI
Wabi sabi is the beauty of imperfect things. In Japan, wabi sabi is imperceptible but everywhere: a crack on a teapot, the wood of an old door, green moss on a rock, a misty landscape, a distorted cup or the reflection of the moon on a pond.

The idea of wabi sabi is the contemplation of something that becomes more beautiful as it ages, fades, and consequently acquires a new charm.

Sabi means the delightful contemplation of what is old and worn; the beauty of faded or withered things; things old but elegant; being rusty, all with the impression of peacefulness.

Wabi can mean loneliness or melancholy,the appreciation of a serene life, far from the urban hustle and bustle. It is an aesthetic sensibility closely related to the tea ceremony, referring to the general atmosphere and the objects used during this formal service.

As a sensitivity that leads to happiness, and an acceptance of the beauty of simple and natural things, wabi sabi is a daily way to experience little joys. When admiring a landscape, an object, or a painting, during a conversation with friends or when sharing a moment with a good company, everyone can feel the notion of wabi sabi.