Budai (hotei) Carved In Soapstone (lard Stone, Soapstone) China Qing Period.

Budai is the Chinese and Japanese Santa Claus who calls him Hoteï. He carries toys in a big bag and distributes them to children who adore him and are sometimes represented at his side. The god is seated, his half-open robe reveals his large belly, a symbol of his generosity. He holds his rosary in his hand. Oddly enough his big bag is missing. It is sculpted from a beige steatite (bacon stone, soap stone) stained with pink, on the skull appear red veins of the stone. The artist knew how to breathe life into this laughing face with communicative joy. It is difficult to date this work precisely, however the simplicity of execution, the absence of mannerism, the wonderfully expressive face as well as a beautiful patina makes us think it is very old. Qing period or before. Good condition, small insignificant accidents that can be seen in photos. No restoration or grinding. H: 90mm W: 90mm