Certified Japanese painting on silk: God of Longevity, PAINTING with CALLIGRAPHY, Edo period (1603-1868). The painting, with the sketching idea style brush strokes, represents the God of Longevity from Chinese Daoist belief. The God of Longevity sits in a lotus posture by crossing his legs, with a tall protruded forehead, representing the typical iconography of the deity. The ink inscription was written in Japanese language, mentioned Fu Lu Shou , referring to the Three Gods, Good Fortune (Fu), Salary (Lu), and Longevity (Shou). Actually, the God of Longevity is one of the Three. The deity put his fan on his right side, and there is a large cloth bag on his left side. The cloth bag indicates the deity of Budai [Cloth Bag, Hotei in Japanese] from Chinese Buddhist belief. Budai was a Chan or Zen Buddhist monk from the tenth century Zhejiang province, China. After his death, people believed that he was the reincarnation of Maitreya, the Future Buddha. After that, people have worshiped him. Japanese accepted Chinese influence, and treat Budai as one of The Seven Gods of Fortune in Japanese native belief. Therefore, one can see that this painting represents two of the Seven Gods of Fortune. The artist of the painting and inscription is Kodou Haruhiko . I cannot find who the artist is. Based on the style of the painting, it could be painted during the Edo period (1603-1868). An antique Japanese, Shou Xing painting, depicting the deity with fan and peach under calligraphy poem Painting: 8.5 x 6.5 inches = 21.4 cm x 16.3cm Mat & frame: 16.5 x 13.5 inches = 41.2 cm x 33.8 cm. Authenticated by Dr. Qing Chang, PhD.
Condition The painting is old and used, there is some loss of paper, stains, folds, etc. (refer to the photos). The painting is framed under glass for protection.
Low Estimate: 3000;
High Estimate: 6000;
Orignal: Yes