Page 138 - Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Christie's Hong Kong May 29, 2019

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A LARGE GILT-BRONZE SEATED FIGURE OF
BUDAI
QIANLONG-JIAQING PERIOD (1736-1820)
The laughing deity is modelled with a broad smiling face between
two pendulous earlobes. He is seated leaning on a large sack with
his left leg tucked under and his right leg drawn up, the shoulders
and extremities draped in a flowing robe which opens to reveal his
ample belly. He holds a rosary and an ingot in his hands. The base
is incised to the centre with a flower head.
13 æ in. (35 cm.) wide
HK$300,000-400,000 US$39,000-51,000

PROVENANCE
Sold at Christie’s London, 1 December 1997, lot 272
Sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 1 June 2011, lot 3780
The monk Budai, also known as the Laughing Buddha, is an
incarnation of the Bodhisattva Maitreya, who is 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.

清乾隆 / 嘉慶 鎏金銅布袋和尚坐像
來源
倫敦佳士得，1997 年 12 月 1 日，拍品 272 號
香港佳士得，2011 年 6 月 1 日，拍品 3780 號

布袋和尚開懷大笑，手持佛珠、錠銀，造型象徵歡喜，蓄財，
並流傳是彌勒菩薩的化身。

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