Smiling Buddha. China, 20th century.

Smiling Buddha. China, mid-20th century.
Green jadeite.
Measurements: 39 x 34 x 14 cm.
The selected area shows a carved statue of the Smiling Buddha (also known as Budai or the Monk with the Cloth Sack), a popular figure in Chinese culture and Feng Shui who symbolizes happiness, prosperity, and good fortune. The Buddha is depicted in the traditional manner with a robust figure and a broad smile, seated on a detailed rocky base. He holds a staff across his shoulders and is accompanied by carved fruits (resembling longevity peaches or wu lou gourds) and a creature at his side, which shares iconographic similarities with a Chinese guardian lion (Fu dog).