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Antique
Chinese Ivory Carving
Laughing
Buddha
Mei-li with Children
Qing
Dynasty, circa: 19th century
H
13.5 in.(34cm.), W 8 in.(20cm.), D 6 in.(15cm.)
Condition: Excellent!
The
Laughing Buddha, whose Chinese name is Pu Tai, Sanskrit Maitreya
(Future Buddha), and he is lovingly called The Cloth Sack
Buddha "Hotei" in Japanese. Laughing Buddha is perhaps the
most recognized Buddhist icon in the world. Zen paintings
often pictured the joyous Buddha as an eccentric wanderer
with an empty sack, a treasures bag capable of producing jewels...or
children, which is considered as true wealth by the Chinese
and Japanese. Hence, this bronze Laughing Buddha with Yu-I
(As-You-Wish) scepter in hand is believed to grant wishes
to the poor and needy at will, and ironically he is also a
protector of children unconcerned with material wealth.
Private Collection
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