Chinese Spinach Jade Buddha Budai Figure

An 20th century sculpture of Chinese deity laughing Buddha – Budai. extremely well carved of natural dark spinach jade.

This seated deity wears a loose robe parted in front, revealing his large, protruding belly. His left hand resting on a raised knee, holding prayer beads and the other hand holding a sack.

MEASUREMENTS (approximately):
 

Height: 8 cm (3.15 inches).

Width: 8.6 cm (3.39 inches.)

Depth: 6.4 cm (2.52 inches).

CONDITION: In excellent condition. No cracks, restorations, or repairs.

Since the pictures were taken in the studio lighting, the sculpture in daylight is darker and not as glitter as the photos.

Budai: 布袋; is a nickname given to the ancient Chinese monk Qici: 契此) who is often identified with and venerated as Maitreya Buddha in Chan Buddhism, and one of several "uncommitted saints" that became incorporated into the Chan pantheon. He is said to have lived around the 10th century A.D in the Wuyue kingdom.

The name "Budai" literally means "cloth sack”and refers to the bag that he is conventionally depicted as carrying as he wanders aimlessly. His jolly nature, humorous personality, and eccentric lifestyle distinguish him from most Buddhist masters or figures. He is always shown smiling or laughing, hence his nickname in Chinese, the "Laughing Buddha". As Budai is traditionally depicted as overweight and having a huge stomach (a symbol of abundance or forgiveness) and many stories surrounding Budai involve his love of food and drink, he is also referred to as the "Fat Buddha", especially in the Western word.