Terracotta Statue of Hotei (布袋) with Karako (唐子), Japan.

A beautiful large statue of the Laughing Buddha, Hotei (布袋), accompanied by a Chinese child known as Karako (唐子).

This is a rare find that is highly decorative both indoors and outdoors.

Dimensions: height 68 cm, width 37 cm, depth 28 cm. Weight: 25 kg.

The statue is in good condition; the visible 'cracks' are a result of the wood-fired baking process.

In traditional Japanese culture, the depiction of Hotei and Karako is often used as decoration in homes, gardens, restaurants, and so on, to bring luck and prosperity. The cheerful, round figure of Hotei is often seen as a symbol of abundance and wealth, while the Karako, often dressed in Chinese attire with a smiling face, symbolizes future happiness.