Untitled

Unknown

ca. late 17th century · Bronze with traces of gilt; eyes inlaid with shell and garnet · Asian Art

This is a much favored depiction of a famed Buddhist disciple, rotund and shaven, renowned for his gifts in teaching the dharma. He was introduced into later Southeast Asian Buddhism from China, where he is known as Budai. He has various hagiographies, but is widely understood as an incarnation of Maitreya, the Future Buddha. Popularly he is associated with contentment and prosperity.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. late 17th century

Medium

Bronze with traces of gilt; eyes inlaid with shell and garnet

Culture

Thailand

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Gifts of friends of Jim Thompson, in his memory, 2001