Bronze Cicada Box Appraisal

Chinese Porcelain Laughing Buddha (Budai) Statue with Children and Metal Cicada Box

This set features a glazed porcelain figurine of a Laughing Buddha, or Budai, accompanied by several small children climbing on him, which is a traditional symbol of fertility and happiness in Chinese culture. Typically approximately 6 to 8 inches in height, the figurine is characterized by its white porcelain base and hand-painted overglaze polychrome accents in shades of green, red, yellow, and black. The Buddha is depicted with a jovial expression, a large exposed belly, and elongated earlobes. Next to it is a distinctive metal container or censer with a lid shaped like a cicada. The insect lid features iridescent, metallic finishes in gold and green tones, contrasting with the darker, textured finish of the base. The cicada is an ancient symbol of rebirth and immortality. The overall craftsmanship suggests a mid-20th-century Asian export style, likely from the Republic or early People's Republic periods. Condition appear to be fair to good, with visible wear to the metal finish of the cicada box and slight grime accumulation on the porcelain crevices. No major chips or cracks are immediately evident in the low-resolution image, but fine crazing to the porcelain glaze is common for this type of ceramic ware.