Laughing Buddha Statue - Green Hard Stone - Art Nouveau

Very beautiful green hard stone made in China.
This large statue represents the "Laughing Buddha" standing with a necklace of pearls of wisdom in his left hand and a ball in his right hand known as the ball of wealth. A large sun disk, symbolising light, illuminates the Buddha's smile.

The significance of the laughing Buddha with beads and/or a ball of wealth is that of meditation. 
The representation of the ball of wealth is a sign of wealth and prosperity.

Period : Late 19th - Early 20th century - Art Nouveau
Dimensions : Height : 103,5cm x Width : 30cm x Depth : 18cm

The image of the laughing Buddha is inspired by a wandering Chinese monk, Budai (Hotei, in Japanese), who lived many centuries ago and is believed to be Maitreya, or the Buddha to come. 

The statue's plump figure and benevolent attitude suggest contentment, magnanimity and wholeness. 
Often referred to as the Laughing Buddha, his characteristic smile symbolises contentment and pure joy. 
The Laughing Buddha is considered a symbol of good luck, and rubbing his large head or belly is believed to bring fortune and wealth.

The big belly of the Laughing Buddha is a symbol of tolerance, and it also shows that prosperity and wealth can go hand in hand with enlightened consciousness.

If we talk about Hinduism, Lord Kuber is considered the Lord of wealth and fortune. 
However, in China, people have the habit of keeping a statue of the Laughing Buddha in their homes to increase luck and attract positive energies around them. 

They consider the Laughing Buddha as an idol that protects them and doubles the benefits of positive vibrations in the house.