A hand-carved Chinese soap stone figure of the deity Budai, commonly referred to as the Laughing Buddha. The deity is portrayed in a traditional seated posture with an exposed pot belly and a joyful expression, framed by a low-relief, serrated halo. The primary figure is carved from a stone with a mottled honey-to-yellowish-brown colour. The reverse side features simple incised decoration depicting bamboo stalks and leaves. The figure sits upon an integral carved base that has been finished in a dark, reddish-brown tone to simulate a traditional tiered wooden stand with bracket feet. Likely produced in the late 19th or early 20th century, this piece is characteristic of export wares from the late Qing Dynasty or early Republic period. No maker’s marks or reign marks are visible on the surfaces.
Height: 6 inches.
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