Chinese Qing / Republic Agate Laughing Buddha

**Originally Listed At $300**

East Asia, China, late Qing to Republic of China, ca. 20th century CE. A lovely figurine of Budai or the Laughing Buddha, hand-carved from banded agate. Budai is a nickname given to the 10th-century Chinese monk Qici known for his laughing face and round stomach. The name Budai literally means "cloth sack," referring to the bag he is usually depicted carrying under his arm as a symbol of abundance. Here, he is shown in his traditional jovial fashion with slender eyes and a smiling face as he places his hands atop each knee, flanking his bulbous belly. Size: 1" L x 2.1" W x 2.5" H (2.5 cm x 5.3 cm x 6.4 cm)

Provenance: private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection, inherited via grandfather, who collected before 1980

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#183017
Condition Report: Professionally repaired with chipping and minor losses along visible break lines. Otherwise, smooth surfaces and nice detail.