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This very fine hand-carved Hotei of alabaster stone
is the picture of exhuberant good health. His arms are raised high above his head; each hand holds a legendary Peach of Immortality.
Looped around the thumb of his left hand is fly-whisk, a sign of leadership and long life which is
carried by Buddhist priests as a symbol of their religious functions and to wave away the flies
which, according to the tenets of their creed, they may not kill. A rosary is draped around Hotei's neck, highlighted by a lingzhi, the fabeled "fungus of immortality."
(This corresponds to the plant Polyporus lucidus, a woody fungus usually dark in
color with a lacquer-like sheen.) This lingzhi motif is found in every medium of Chinese art,
and is a wish-fulfilling as well as a longevity symbol. Hotei's robe is meticulously etched in subdued
colors with floral designs and various long-life, happiness and knot patterns, the latter representing prosperity.
(Due to the handmade nature of this Hotei, no two are exactly alike. Price includes
free shipping and handling within the continental United States.) HOT-1 Small Hotei of Good Health
7-1/2" high x 3" wide x 2-1/2" deep
Price: $129
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