Chinese Small Figure of Budai with Yuanbao and Ruyi, C. 1900

Name: Chinese Small Figure of Budai with Yuanbao and Ruyi, C. 1900
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1205158
Availability: SoldOut

19th century

Sold by Ritas Bazaar

Description

A finely cast Chinese bronze figure of Budai, dating to circa 1900. He stands barefoot in flowing robes, lifting a yuanbao ingot above his head and holding a ruyi sceptre, two traditional emblems of prosperity, blessing, and fulfilled wishes.

The modelling is confident and lively, with a cheerful face, rounded belly, and drapery falling in soft folds around the body. The dark brown patina is attractively varied, with lighter rubbing to the high points and natural green oxidation in the recesses and within the hollow base.

The underside also shows a few indistinct scratched marks, seemingly incidental rather than a formal signature or inscription.

Budai was originally a semi-legendary wandering monk of China and was only later understood as an incarnation of Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future. This helps explain why figures of this type were valued not simply as decorative bronzes, but as auspicious images associated with happiness, abundance, benevolence, and spiritual good fortune. Most likely intended for domestic display, this is a pleasing and well-sized cabinet bronze of clear symbolic character.

Measurements

Height: 11 cm (4.3?)

Width: 6 cm (2.4?)

Depth: 5 cm (2.0?)

Weight: 293 g

Condition

Excellent condition. The figure displays confident modelling, good casting quality, and a well-finished surface.

Shipping & Packaging

Fully tracked and insured delivery.

Shipping cost includes labour, packaging and postage.

Carefully packed using appropriate materials.

Please study all photographs as they form part of the description.

Questions are welcome.

Physical Dimensions

Height

11cm (4.33")

Width

6cm (2.36")

Depth

5cm (1.97")

Declaration

Ritas Bazaar has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1205158

Dealers Internal Reference

B1679

Description

A finely cast Chinese bronze figure of Budai, dating to circa 1900.

“

He stands barefoot in flowing robes, lifting a yuanbao ingot above his head and holding a ruyi sceptre, two traditional emblems of prosperity, blessing, and fulfilled wishes.

Ritas Bazaar

fig 1. Chinese small figure of Budai with yuanbao and ruyi, c. 1900 — fig 1. Chinese Small Figure of Budai with Yuanbao and Ruyi, C. 1900

The modelling is confident and lively, with a cheerful face, rounded belly, and drapery falling in soft folds around the body. The dark brown patina is attractively varied, with lighter rubbing to the high points and natural green oxidation in the recesses and within the hollow base.

fig 2. Chinese small figure of Budai with yuanbao and ruyi, c. 1900 — fig 2. Chinese Small Figure of Budai with Yuanbao and Ruyi, C. 1900

The underside also shows a few indistinct scratched marks, seemingly incidental rather than a formal signature or inscription.

Budai was originally a semi-legendary wandering monk of China and was only later understood as an incarnation of Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future. This helps explain why figures of this type were valued not simply as decorative bronzes, but as auspicious images associated with happiness, abundance, benevolence, and spiritual good fortune. Most likely intended for domestic display, this is a pleasing and well-sized cabinet bronze of clear symbolic character.