A blue and white figure of Budai. Early 17th century

The seated laughing figure of Budai dressed in loosely-draped robes exposing his rotund belly, his right arm casually resting on his leg, with a long rosary around his neck, seated on oval plinth painted with a border of flame scroll, his robes painted with cranes, floral scrolls, cloud scrolls and crashing waves in underglaze blue, the face with stubble (missing four fingers), wood stand. 23.4cm (9¼in) high. (2). Estimate: £5,000 - 8,000 - Unsold.

Provenance: A European private collection

(Copyright © 2002-2008 Bonhams 1793 Ltd., Images and Text All Rights Reserved)

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art, 6 Nov 2008. New Bond Street www.bonhams.com