This lively carving of the Laughing Buddha is a fine example of the cultural flowering under the Qianlong Emperor's rule. It also reveals the mastery of the Qing carver, whose artistry has achieved a remarkable degree of harmony in his depiction of the Laughing Buddha without the indulgence of excessive details.

The ivory carving is exquisite for its size. The Laughing Buddha is centrally balanced on the base of its body. He is deeply carved in the classic easy posture (lalitasana), with treasure sack in the right hand, and left hand gently resting on the knee. The focal point is in the realistic rendering of the Laughing Buddha's facial expression. The carving comes alive through the Buddha's big smile that clearly reveals his intricately carved teeth, whereas his smiling eyes radiate a state of inner joy possible only in the hands of an exceptional artist.

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The image of Laughing Buddha is perhaps the first Buddha recognized in the West. Interestingly, what we now called The Happy Buddha is also known as "The Coming Buddha" in the Buddhist faith. His Sanskrit name is Maitreya_"The Merciful One". He is believed to had met Sakyamuni in Tushita Heaven, and vowed to return on earth as a Future Buddha in 5000 years.

There are perhaps a thousand stories and myths of the Buddha Maitreya. He is commonly known as Mi-Li in China, and also known as Hotei in Japan, one of the seven Gods of Luck.

The Happy Buddha is a favorite subject for paintings and sculptures in Japan and China. He is always represented with a sack in which he carries all of his treasures, wandering the land as a carefree spirit. He is distinguished by a laughing expression, and by his large belly hanging over his lower garments, which is a symbol of "chi", an indication of his life force and attainment of joy and harmony.

 

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