Antique Japanese Pottery Figurines_Hakuin & Otafuku | Japanese Story Tellers
Offered is a "RARE" pair of hand-formed, exceptionally detailed, glazed pottery figures. The male figure is Hakuin Ekaku (1686-1769), the most influential figure in Japanese Zen Buddhism, a great master, teacher, and artist of the Rinzai Zen School offering a peach to his companion Otafuku, (Goddess of Mirth and a symbol of wisdom and long life). He regularly shared his teaching, thoughts, songs, and stories with the local citizens, and Otafuku smiled, with a dog on her knee. This pair touches the soul of the Japanese collector for it offers an irresistible and universal message of sharing. The images of pieces not for sale are examples of Hakuin's hand-painted artwork. These figures are an exceptional and rare find for the collector.
Additionally, information go to this link on our Blog: https://mingeiarts.com/blogs/celebration-of-mingei-journey-through-japan/rakugo-story-teller-figurines-hakuin-otafuku
Condition: Extremely beautifully glazed pottery figures in excellent preserved condition: no chips or missing elements or repairs having no discoloration, chipping/cracking, surface wear, or structural damage. Both pieces retain the original craft/workmanship.
Background Information about Hakuin: Hakuin, was a Zen Buddhist Monk/Abbot/Artist/Poet, (1769), and known for his artistry, which he felt brought him enlightenment and was often seen with Otafuku (also known as Okame), many of his representations. Hakuin was known as a messenger to teach the precepts of Zen. Hakuin likened Otafuku to an incarnation of Kannon, the Bodhisattva of compassion. Otafuku remains one of Japan’s least analyzed yet beguiling figures. She is every woman, a source of generosity, a fertility symbol; her essence is goodwill, affirmation, and delight, and she is thought to bestow pleasure, success, and well-being, and to grant wishes.
As an artist/poet, Hakuin, the teacher was profoundly influential. More than one thousand of Hakuin's works survive and have been an inspiration for many later Zen artists, including Sengai and the Zen poet Ryokan. Here is an example of his statements associated with this sculptural pair:
As for Otafuku, although her nose is flat
And her eyelids are puffy, she is a kind woman.
No matter what we call her,
She has been taking good care of men -
Otafuku suddenly appears to guide you;
Otafuku will preach the Buddhist truths.
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