Overview
A spirited, hand-carved wooden representation of Budai, the semi-historical Chinese monk known for his infectious joy and abundance.
1Identify
Preliminary identification
Hand-Carved Boxwood 'Laughing Buddha' (Budai) Figurine, c. 1940-1960
Photo reference
4 uploaded photos
Story
Budai was a real person—an eccentric 10th-century monk named Qieci who wandered the Chinese countryside with nothing but a cloth sack and a radiant smile.
Maker / Origin
While the individual carver remains anonymous, this piece belongs to the long-standing tradition of Chinese woodcarving workshops, likely in the Zhejiang province.
Condition & Value
The piece shows honest age-related wear, with some darkening of the wood and minor softening of the carved edges. Value is driven by its hand-carved nature and vintage appeal.
Research
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