A gilt-bronze figure of Budai, Late Ming dynasty

Budai, the God of Happiness, and also called 'the laughing Buddha', was popular in Chinese culture for his association with happiness, plenitude and wisdom of contentment. Based on the tenth-century Chinese monk, Qici, who was believed by his followers to be a reincarnation of the Buddha, he was eventually worshipped as a deified figure in his own right. Budai is often depicted with a joyful expression and wide smile whilst wearing loosely-fitted robes that reveal his large stomach. Compare a related figure of Budai, attributed to the sixteenth century, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 31st May 2010, lot 1964.