Ming Dynasty, 16th Century
Height: 15cm
The smiling figure is depicted seated in rajalilasana, the position of royal ease, with a loosely fitted robe decorated at the hem with banded decoration exposing his round belly. He holds a string of prayer beads against his raised right leg while his left hand clutches an open sack, revealing gold ingots.
Budai is a Chinese form of the Buddha Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future. In this particular form, Budai is worshipped to bestow luck and riches.
Similar Example
A similar Budai with an open money sack was published in Buddhist images in Gilt Metal, Chang Foundation, Taipei, 1993, p. 65 Catalogue No. 25
