Antique Chinese Statues

The Laughing Buddha is a symbol of content, prosperity and happiness. It is also said that if the statue of The Laughing Buddha is placed in your home or at work place in such a manner that it abides by the laws of Feng Shui, it is guaranteed to bring all round prosperity to you and everyone associated with you. The Laughing Buddha, also known as Budai, was a Zen monk of the Liang Dynasty. This monk had a huge tummy, and was an ever happy figure, always laughing and smiling. His smile signifies happiness; his tummy signifies prosperity and his overall stature signify that the person is satisfied and content with whatever he has. He carried a bag with him, known as the ‘Pu- tai’. This bag contained stuff like sweets, eatables and other luxury items, and this monk would keep distributing them among rich and poor alike. The main purpose behind the establishment of this character was to highlight the fact that inner happiness increases when one spreads it. No one knows whether this character actually existed or is just a brainchild of some philosophers’ imagination, but whatever the case, people in China and in large parts of Asia believe in the supernatural powers and the prosperity aspect associated with Maitreya or The Laughing Buddha.

Other statues might be depictions of general Chinese life and people, like farmers, children and workers. Although most of the statues are carved out in wood, other materials from which statues might be carved out include bronze, gold, stone, pewter, porcelain and ceramic. No matter what material a Chinese statue is made of, or what object it depicts, it is guaranteed to indulge you in the mere beauty of its existence. Ranging from the size of a thumb to the size of a multistory building, they come if almost every form of the world and you can take home the one that suits you and your pocket the best.