Budai In Pink Rock Crystal. China, Qing Period.

The jovial deity, carved in a block of rose quartz, is represented standing, holding his big bag in one hand, a laughing child comes out of it. Budai is the symbol of joy but also of abundance, he is always represented with his big bag and very often surrounded by children of whom he is the protector. In Japan his name is Hotei. If the representations of Budai are numerous and date mainly from the 20th century, it is rare to find such beautiful works, indeed the artist knew how to draw from the rock, movement, life and elegance. The face of the deity is particularly beautiful. This unusual quality leads us to believe that this is not a simple tourist sculpture, created in the 20th century, but a precious cult object created earlier. The wooden base has shrunk over time, the crystal feet only partially fit into their housing, such a shrinkage of the wood confirms a great antiquity. Chinese work Qing dynasty. Height approximately 20cm. Good condition.