White Hetian Jade Plaque: Laughing Buddha of Joy and Good Fortune, 35.1 g

No. This individual piece has already been collected and remains online as a reference. You can ask Yufu Jade to look for a similar material, form or carving subject; any new piece is documented and quoted separately.

The Laughing Buddha is rendered in low relief beneath a wide smooth upper area. The rounded teardrop body and open background give the small figure an uncluttered setting. Shallow relief depends on small changes in height to separate the motif from its ground. Oblique lighting helps reveal the carved outlines and the transitions into the plain surface; strong front lighting alone can make those levels difficult to judge.

The listed dimensions are 45.2 x 31 mm, approximately 1.78 x 1.22 in. Compare these measurements with a ruler to judge the scale. Listed weight: 35.1 g. Confirm the suspension opening and any included cord or fittings.

The Laughing Buddha is Budai, the smiling monk familiar in Chinese decorative art and associated with Maitreya in Chinese tradition. His full belly and relaxed expression convey generosity and contentment; he is distinct from the historical Buddha Shakyamuni. Read this as the traditional subject of the carving, rather than a statement about its age, maker or a promised effect on the owner.