Page 62 - Bonhams Fine Chinese Art Nov 2013 Hong Kong
P. 62
236 The stories of Budai, the ‘Laughing Buddha’, were based on an eccentric
A glazed seated figure of Budai but much-loved Zen monk who lived during the late Tang to early
Qing dynasty Five Dynasties period. A native of Fenghua, his Buddhist name was
Finely potted with joyous facial expression, the wide face flanked by a Qici, which literally translates as ‘promise this’, and he was known for
pair of pendulous earlobes and framed by a bald head, his bulging belly working small wonders and predicting the weather.
protruding from a loose robe, his right hand resting atop the knee with
the left hand holding his cloth sack. An accumulation of several Chinese legends, Budai is most commonly
14.1cm wide. regarded as an incarnation of Maitreya Buddha or the Buddha of the
HK$80,000 - 120,000 Future. He is admired for his happiness, wisdom and contentment, and is
US$10,000 - 15,000 associated with the protection of children.
清 青白釉布袋坐像
60 | Bonhams
