Staffordshire stoneware salt glazed figure of Budai Heshang England mid 18th century
Staffordshire stoneware salt glazed figure of Budai Heshang England mid 18th century - Image 2
Staffordshire stoneware salt glazed figure of Budai Heshang England mid 18th century - Image 3

Staffordshire stoneware salt glazed figure of Budai Heshang England mid 18th century

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£2850

Dated: 1750 English Staffordshire

This rare Staffordshire salt-glazed stoneware figure depicts Budai Heshang, the legendary Chinese monk more commonly known as the Laughing Buddha or Joyous Buddha. Modeled in his traditional seated pose, the figure captures Budai's distinctive appearance, with his robes parted to reveal his characteristically large, rounded stomach—a symbol of abundance, contentment, and good fortune. The figure is attractively decorated with rich cobalt-blue splashes, and his eyes are painted brown, lending warmth and personality to the expression, enhancing the figure's cheerful and serene character. Staffordshire potters produced relatively few figures of Eastern subjects, making this an uncommon example of eighteenth-century English ceramics.

Dimensions: 3.25 inches high

Current Condition: Fine condition

Literature: A white example is illustrated by Leslie Grigsby in Henry Weldon Collection reference titled English Pottery page 328

£2850    $3847

Description

This rare Staffordshire salt-glazed stoneware figure depicts Budai Heshang, the legendary Chinese monk more commonly known as the Laughing Buddha or Joyous Buddha. Modeled in his traditional seated pose, the figure captures Budai’s distinctive appearance, with his robes parted to reveal his characteristically large, rounded stomach—a symbol of abundance, contentment, and good fortune. The figure is attractively decorated with rich cobalt-blue splashes, and his eyes are painted brown, lending warmth and personality to the expression, enhancing the figure’s cheerful and serene character. Staffordshire potters produced relatively few figures of Eastern subjects, making this an uncommon example of eighteenth-century English ceramics.

Additional information

Dimensions 3.25 in