The figure of Budai Heshang, whose story is based on a historical monk active at the end of the Tang period, gained popularity as early as the Song dynasty. He is often depicted surrounded by children. His name, Budai, meaning "cloth bag,' " derives from the sack that invariably accompanies him. He is frequently shown carrying this hemp bag containing all his possessions, along with a short cord of eighteen beads symbolising the Eighteen Luohan. Perhaps because of his cheerful appearance, he became one of the most sought-after figures on the export market in the eighteenth century. In English-speaking countries, he is also commonly known as the "Fat Buddha."

A Blanc-de-Chine figure of Budai
China
Kangxi (1662-1722)

#budai #hotai #fatbuddha #buddhism #buddhistsculpture #sculpture #china #blancdechine #dehua #porcelain #kangxi #antique #carvedwood #stand

Depicted standing on clouds, wearing a long dress, with a serene face and hair in a bun. Guanyin, the bodhisattva of infinite compassion, is one of the most commonly depicted Buddhist figures in Chinese art. She was believed to have the ability to bless every suffering person in the mortal world. Although in India the bodhisattva was originally understood to be either genderless or male, in far eastern countries like China Japan and Korea, female manifestations such as this one were common.

Bodhisattva Guanyin
China, 17th century
Late Ming (1368-1644) - early
Qing (1644-1911) dynasty
Porcelain (Dehua ware)
Met museum NY

#antique #chinese #mingdynasty #qingdynasty #blancdechine #dehuaware #guanyin #kwanyin #quanyin #avalokiteshvara #bodhisattva #goddessofmercy #compassion #buddhism

Wenchang is seated on a pierced rockwork throne, holding a ruyi-sceptre in his left hand which rests on a outcrop, the long flowing robes covering his other arm and exposing a foot, wearing two large belts, one inset with stylised jade plaques, an official hat and long plaits extending to his shoulders, the upper lip and chin with piercing for the insertion of real hair. Wenchang (Xa) is the Daoist god of literature, further revered as a figure of general benevolence. He is the Chinese god of culture, literature, and civil examinations. Widely revered by scholars, students, and families hoping for academic success, he is typically depicted in the robes of a mandarin, holding a brush or a scroll. His full title, Wenchang Dijun (Xa7Z), means "Sovereign Lord of Literary Prosperity." In Daoist tradition, he resides in the celestial Wenchang constellation in the northern sky. Devotees often pray to him before exams, and his temples may feature a "wish table" where students leave written prayers for success. Wenchang embodies the Confucian ideal of merit through learning and intellectual achievement in imperial China.

A large blanc-de-chine Dehua figure of
Wenchang
China
Kangxi (1662-1722)

#blancdechine #dehua #wenchang #china #kangxi #daoistgod #taoism #culture #literature #benevolance