Live Auction 2811The Imperial Sale Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art
A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF BUDAI
Lot 1964

A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF BUDAI

Closed31 May 2010

Price Realised

HKD 325,000

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A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF BUDAI
MING DYNASTY, 16TH CENTURY

Cast seated on a lotus pedestal with the right knee raised, holding a sack full of cash in his left hand and a strand of prayer beads in his right, wearing a loose robe falling off the shoulders and open at the front to reveal his full belly, his face with a hearty laughing expression, the reverse painted with the characters xizhong
11 3/4 in. (29.8 cm.) high

Specialist note

The monk Budai, also known as the Laughing Buddha, is an incarnation of the Bodhisattva Maitreya, the Buddha predicted to succeed Gautama Buddha in the future. Typically depicted with a joyful expression and wearing loose fitting robes to reveal his plump stomach representing contentment and abundance, Budai is also associated with the protection of children and is often shown with small children playfully climbing on his belly or back.