Designer
Unknown Craftsman

Description
Otafuku is a popular figure in Japanese folk tales. Often depicted with large cheeks and a joyful smile, her name translates to “much good fortune” or “plenty of happiness”. She’s known as a goddess of mirth in the Shinto religion, and is often seen with Hyottoko, a god of wind or Fukusuke, a male counterpart who also represents happiness and good luck.

It’s uncommon to this figure shown on a flat surfaced ceramic plate, traditionally the gleeful face would be made as a mask to be portrayed in Japanese theatre. The whimsicality of her character is perfectly expressed in the quick gestural marks of glazed hair, eyes, nose and mouth, as if she is in movement herself. The curved lip of the plate almost follows the hairline as if to articulate the shape itself.

Condition
Vintage ca. 19th century (there are tiny chips and signs of age)

Measurements
D 18 x H 4.5 CM