Chinese school; first half of the 20th century.

Chinese school; first half of the 20th century.
"Buddha".
Hand-carved soapstone and stone penalty.
Measurements: 18 x 15 x 9 cm; 20 x 25 cm (base).
This soapstone sculpture represents a smiling Buddha, a figure of deep spiritual resonance in the Chinese tradition, symbol of prosperity, happiness and inner fullness. The artist has succeeded in capturing, with admirable technical mastery, the serenity and benevolent character of the divinity, evident in the smiling face and the relaxed posture of the body.
Finely carved, the volume of the body and the folds of the robes reveal a naturalistic treatment of the material, while the small companions at the Buddha's sides underline the notion of spiritual guidance and abundance. The stone, in greenish and ochre tones, provides a warm texture that reinforces the peaceful and contemplative character of the work.
Set on a polished stone base, this piece is a representative example of Chinese sculptural art of the first half of the 20th century, where iconographic tradition is combined with a refined decorative and spiritual sense.