Italian Faux Ivory Budai (Laughing Buddha) Figurine

This item is a detailed figurine of Budai, commonly known as the Laughing Buddha, reclining in a traditional joyous pose. Despite the Asian Subject matter, this piece is identified as being made in Italy, likely during the mid-to-late 20th century. It is constructed from a solid, dense synthetic resin designed to simulate the appearance and weight of aged ivory, a material popular in Italian novelty manufacturing of that era. The figurine exhibits an imitation of natural patina with deep brown staining in the carved recesses of the robes, prayer beads, and facial features to accentuate the three-dimensional depth. Notable features include a prominent string of mala beads across the chest and flowing drapery. The surface shows a slightly glossy finish with some minor scuffs consistent with light handling. There are no immediate visible cracks or structural repairs. The craftsmanship reflects a mass-produced yet high-quality molding process, common for export decorative items. The material avoids the characteristic 'Schreger lines' of genuine ivory, confirming its synthetic nature.