Buddha. Qing Dynasty, late 19th century-early 20th century.

Buddha. Qing Dynasty, late nineteenth-early twentieth century.
Oval carved jade soffit.
It presents a chipped in the central upper part.
Measurements: 17 x 25 x 1 cm.

Jade oval panel representing in bas-relief a Buddha of happiness (popularly known as "fat Buddha") surrounded by bats. It is characterized by the face illuminated by a smile and its characteristic prominent belly uncovered. Tradition attributes good luck to the one who caresses the generous belly. Its iconographic 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.