Sculpture depicting Hotei (Budai), a wandering monk of Zen Buddhism, the Japanese deity of fortune (one of the Seven Gods of Fortune), traditionally a symbol of happiness, generosity, detachment, and acceptance of impermanence. The figure, placed on a rectangular architectural base, rendered with compact and concise volumes, respects traditional iconography: a smiling face, a prominent belly, a relaxed posture, and in his right hand a sack full of treasures for the needy.

The surface is decorated with rich floral polychrome and stylized oriental motifs, embellished with extensive use of gold, in a decorative variant of particular refinement compared to the known monochrome versions.

Under the base is a Japanese proverb transliterated into Latin script, handwritten in red:

A Buddhist maxim linked to the concept of impermanence (mujo).

San Cristoforo sul Naviglio (Milan); 1928-30.