Object Details
Catalogue Note
Dimensions: H 31 × W 13.5 cm | Weight: 1.2 kg | Material: carved wood | Period: 20th century
An expressive wooden figure of Budai, the jovial monk widely known in popular culture as the Laughing Buddha. The carving probably belongs to a Chinese Southeast Asian diaspora tradition, possibly Indonesian.
Iconography
Budai is associated with generosity, contentment and abundance in Chinese Buddhist and popular religious culture. His rounded body, broad smile and animated raised arms create a particularly lively interpretation.
Condition
Dark brown patina with age-related shrinkage cracks, wear and old openings on the reverse. These are part of the carved object's material history.
Iconography and Context
Budai is the jovial Chinese monk associated with generosity, contentment and good fortune. His relaxed body, broad smile and informal presence distinguish him from formal images of Shakyamuni Buddha.
Condition and Display
The carved carved wood | retains visible grain, tool-work and naturally varied colour. The 6 photographs document the carving, profiles, reverse and age-related surface character as part of the condition assessment.
