Happy Buddha Statue Appraisal

Happy Buddha (Hotei) Statue

This is a statue depicting Hotei, commonly known as the 'Happy Buddha' or 'Laughing Buddha', characterized by his jovial expression, rotund belly, and typically happy demeanor. The statue appears to be made of ceramic or a resin-type material with a glossy, mustard-yellow or olive-toned glaze, showing some variations in shading that suggest an antique or aged patina. The construction seems solid, likely hollow cast given its size and typical manufacturing methods for such items. Hotei is depicted standing with his left arm raised and bent at the elbow, hand open as if waving or holding something small (a tiny dark object is visible between his index finger and thumb, possibly a fly or a small decorative element). His right arm is bent, holding a bag or sack over his shoulder, a traditional attribute signifying wealth or good fortune. He has a wide, beaming smile, closed eyes, and prominent earlobes. His robes are simple and draped, contributing to the figure's overall placid and welcoming appearance. There are no clearly visible manufacturing marks or signatures from the observation, but the finish suggests it could be a mass-produced decorative item, possibly from the mid to late 20th century. The quality of craftsmanship appears good, with well-defined features and a smooth finish. There are no obvious signs of significant damage such as cracks or chips, though minor surface wear consistent with age and handling might be present. The rich color and traditional pose make it a classic representation of Hotei.