A
solid and heavy aged ivory with patina, striations and intricate natural patterning
in the material; cream to gold in color with gray and blue markings. Carved in
Ming style exhibiting the firm contours and simplicity of design for which the
Ming Dynasty is known, depicting Ji Gong standing with prayer beads and wine cup,
his features in a benevolent smile with a stubble of beard.
Ji
Gong (1130-1209) was a Buddhist monk during the Southern Song Dynasty who attained
enlightenment without sacrificing his unique humor. For the violations of excessive
drinking and eating meat he was kicked out of the monastery; nevertheless, he
was an example of "letting wine and meat go through the intestines, while holding
fast to Buddha in the heart”. Such were his extraordinary abilities that he came
to know for himself the truth of Buddha’s teachings after which he roamed the
streets rescuing desperate souls, assisting the humble while thwarting the schemes
of their corrupt and oppressive superiors. So great was his compassion that Ji
Gong acquired magical powers for which he is famously popular, and stories of
his exploits abound. He is usually seen smiling in his tattered monastic robes
and carrying a bottle of wine in his right hand. He wears a hat with the Chinese
character Fo, meaning "Buddha.” He taught that guiding beings to the Way of Heaven
dissolves the bitterness of life and enables one to become a “lenient Buddha.”
