Figure of Budai

Historical period(s)
Qing dynasty, ca. 17th-18th century
Medium
Jade
Dimensions
H x W x D: 10.5 x 7.3 x 6.1 cm (4 1/8 x 2 7/8 x 2 3/8 in)
Geography
China
Credit Line
Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S1987.769
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Jade
Type

Figure: deity

Keywords
China, Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911)
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

This figure, Budai, represents a member of the Buddhist pantheon associated with bringing good wishes and wealth; he is said to be a form of the Buddha of the Future. The main attribute of Budai is that he always carries a bulging sack with him and he is always represented as jovial, plump figure.  Note how the jade worker of this piece maintained the original shape of a waterworn jade pebble and at the same time created a fully formed sculpture from the piece of rock.

Published References
  • et al. Asian Art in the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery: The Inaugural Gift. Washington, 1987. cat. 769, p. 139.
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
SI Usage Statement

Usage Conditions Apply

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery welcome information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

citation | Save this image How to download an image | Request Permission | Terms of Use