This rare sacred casting of the laughing Buddha (Budai) has been checked for historical consistency through a rigorous material-technical inspection. A spectroscopic analysis under 365nm ultraviolet light confirms the absolute integrity of the object. The audit shows an intense, crystalline green-blue fluorescence, which occurs exclusively due to the natural crystallization of copper-carbonate minerals and malachite/azurite salts within the porous loam core matrix.
The inspection rules out any form of modern intervention: zero synthetic polymers, resins, glues, or lead fillings have been detected. The interior shows a deep, natural absorption of the UV spectrum and an intact, layered carbon structure that testifies to decades of saturation by altar incense.
Iconography & Craft Structure
The sculpture represents Budai, seated in the royal posture of relaxation (maharajalilasana), characterized by his generous laugh and monumental belly, symbolizing spiritual wealth and tolerance. The object was crafted using the pre-industrial lost-wax method (cire perdue).
The extremely dense and thick cast walls show the typical irregularities of an authentic manual casting process. The exterior possesses a deep, highly frictional brass skin with a subtle, iridescent gold-brown patina, formed by natural oxidation and intensive ritual hand contact over a period of more than a century.
Technical Specifications
Chronology: Late Qing Dynasty (ca. 1880–1912)
Origin: China (Sacred Connoisseur Class)
Material: Bronze / Yellow Brass Alloy (Brass)
Dimensions: H 16.5 cm × W 16.0 cm
Mass: 1.4 kg
Condition: Excellent, untouched historical condition; no restorations.
