MING DYNASTY, 16TH-17TH CENTURY

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. As shown here, he is often depicted holding a sack full of cash in his left hand and a strand of prayer beads in his right. Compare the large ungilt bronze figure of Budai dated by inscription to the third year of the Xuande period (1428), from the collection of Stephen Junkunc III, sold at Christie’s New York, 13-14 September 2018, lot 1134.