Hotei or Buddha of Happiness. China, Qing Dynasty, early 20th century.

Hotei or Buddha of Happiness. China, Qing Dynasty, early 20th century.
Hand painted ceramic.
With signature on the back.
Measurements: 21 x 23 x 16 cm.

Ceramic sculpture painted in blue and white representing a smiling Buddha, also called Hotei or Buddha of happiness. Popularly known as "Fat Buddha", its mythological origin dates from the time of the Chinese Liang Dynasty. He is believed to have been a Buddhist monk who, due to his benevolent nature, came to be considered an incarnation of the bodhisattva Maitreya.