Carved Red Jadeite Buddha Pendant

This item is a decorative pendant featuring a hand-carved seated Laughing Buddha (Hotei/Budai) figure, likely fashioned from red jadeite or a similar hardstone. The stone exhibits a warm, burnt-orange to reddish-brown hue with subtle internal mottling and a waxy to sub-vitreous luster characteristic of nephrite or jadeite. The carving is stylized, portraying a seated figure with a prominent belly and a robe, though the facial features are softly defined. It is securely mounted in a yellow gold setting, possibly 14k or 18k, which includes a textured hat-like cap at the top and four polished prongs securing the base. The mounting appears to be of mid-20th-century vintage construction. Condition-wise, the stone shows minor surface wear consistent with age, but no major fractures or chips are immediately visible. The metalwork shows light surface scratches but the prongs remain tight against the stone. This piece represents a fusion of traditional Chinese symbolism with mid-century Western jewelry stylings, often referred to as 'Export Jewelry'. The craftsmanship of the stone carving is folk-art quality, prioritizing the natural color of the gem over high-relief detail.

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