Southeast Asia, Thailand, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A charming brass statue of the Buddhist monk Phra Sankachai on an integral three-tiered pedestal and painted with red lacquer and gilt. The tall pedestal is ornately cast with a corner of a patterned cloth hanging down the front. Phra Sankachai (Songachai, Sangkachai, or Ho Tai in Chinese) is often known as the Happy Buddha, intended to bring good fortune to worshipers. He sits in full lotus position with his hands resting on his rather rotund stomach. He presents a jovial countenance with his smile and rounded features. His ears are elongated, and his coiffure is made up of individual nodules. Sankachai is not a historical Buddha; instead, he represents a revered Chinese Monk who was famous for his Buddhist sermons and renowned for his beauty. To avoid the unwanted attention of women, he became overweight. This gilt painted figure is the perfect symbol of good fortune and wealth! On the verso are two integral rings for securing him in a public temple. Size: 8" L x 5.5" W x 9" H (20.3 cm x 14 cm x 22.9 cm)
Provenance: ex-Ashland University Museum, Ashland, Ohio, USA, donated to Ashland University between July 1994 to December 1998
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#166376
Condition
Chipping and losses to gilt. Chips to high pointed areas and surface abrasions. Light mineral deposits. Old brick infill in base from when the statue was attached to an architectural element.