Young man standing on Hotei's shoulder

About this artwork

To 1903

Art Historical Context

This enchanting kakemono, or hanging scroll painting, titled *Young Man Standing on Hotei's*, hails from Japan's Edo period (16151868), a time of relative peace and cultural flourishing.ed in the ukiyo-e style—"pictures of the floating worldit captures the playful spirit of everyday life and folklore. Hotei, one of the beloved Seven Lucky Gods symbolizing abundance and good fortune, is depicted as jolly, rotund figure, with a youthful man perched confidently on his broad shoulder. Such whimsical scenes highlight ukiyo-e's focus on humor, transience, and human joy, often enjoyed in homes or tea...

About the Artist

Unknown

The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...