Hotei; China, 20th century.

Hotei; China, 20th century.
Carved rose quartz and wooden stand.
Measurements. 13 x 15 x 7 cm.
Sculpture made of rose quartz carved in such a way that represents a resting Buddha, along with two other characters of smaller size that are arranged in the area of the shoulders of the central figure. The main figure stands out for its leading position in the sculptural ensemble, its dimensions and the detail of its workmanship. Examples of this are some outstanding aspects such as, for example, the uncovered belly and the smiling face. Characteristics that associate the sculptural representation with Hotei, Buddhist god of joy and happiness, giver of good luck to whoever caresses her prominent belly. It is worth mentioning that the great expressiveness of the countenance, the relaxed aspect of the attitudes and the naturalism with which the generous flesh and the softness of the flesh is captured is characteristic of Chinese statuary, as can be seen in this piece. Hotei, popularly known as "Fat Buddha", his mythological origin dates back to the time of the Chinese Liang Dynasty. It is believed that he was a Buddhist monk who, due to his benevolent nature, came to be considered an incarnation of the bodhisattva Maitreya.