Budai 1760 - 1775

"Budai", a porcelain sculpture produced by the Cozzi Manufactory in Italy between 1760 and 1775, depicts the popular Chinese figure of Budai, often referred to as the "Laughing Buddha." The figurine, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, captures Budai's jovial demeanor with a rounded, smiling face and a generous, plump form. The intricate floral designs on his robe are characteristic of the decorative style prevalent in European ceramics during the 18th century, reflecting a fascination with East Asian aesthetics. This work exemplifies the growing interest in Chinese and Japanese art and culture in Europe during this period, particularly in the production of porcelain.