Lot #71: A Shiwan porcelain statue depicting Budai known as the Happy Buddha

An authentic Shiwan porcelain statue depicting Budai (布袋, Bùdài), universally known as the Laughing Buddha or Happy Buddha.In this rare and highly dynamic variation, he is captured as the "Cheering" or "Hands Up" Happy Buddha, a specific pose that symbolizes the celebration of victory, immense prosperity, and the drawing down of ultimate celestial good fortune into a household.English DescriptionIconography & Visual BreakdownThe Posture: Budai is depicted standing with both arms fully extended straight up into the air, hands held open to welcome positive energy (Qi). His face bears a wide, joyous, open-mouthed laugh, featuring heavily elongated, fleshy earlobes that represent long life, divine wisdom, and spiritual fulfillment.The Belly: He showcases his trademark oversized, exposed belly. In Chinese folklore, a massive belly represents a generous heart, absolute tolerance, and the ability to absorb all the world's worries and transform them into pure joy.Material & CraftsmanshipThe Shiwan Unglazed Skin (Biscuit Firing): This piece beautifully showcases the elite expertise of the Shiwan kilns (石湾窑). All of his exposed flesh surfaces—the face, bald head, ears, round torso, hands, and bare feet—are left completely unglazed (露胎). This allows the natural, velvety, matte texture of the warm, peach-fleshed local clay to mimic real skin tones and accentuate his lifelike facial wrinkles. H: 11.5 inches / 29 cm Dimensions: H: 11.5 inches / 29 cm Pickup category timeslot {B}