Description:

**First Time At Auction**

Southeast Asia, Thailand, mid to late 18th century CE. A finely carved wooden statue of Songachai (Ho Tai in Chinese) - the Happy Buddha - intended to bring good fortune to its owner, sitting upon an integral pedestal with traces of red pigentation and nicely carved fluting. The comfortably seated, rather rotund Buddha presents a jovial countenance with his generous smile. He wears a billowing robe over his portly belly, perfect to rub for good luck. Size: 4.625" W x 8.625" H (11.7 cm x 21.9 cm)

In actuality, Songachai/Ho Tai is not the historical Buddha; instead he represents a revered Chinese Monk who was famous for his Buddhist sermons and his bag of gifts/money which he gave to children to reward them for learning about Dharma. As opposed to the Historical Buddha who is typically shown with an elegant body, a curly coiffure, robes that reveal only one shoulder, and a calm expression, Songachai/Ho Tai (Happy Buddha) is usually depicted with a plump body and a great smile.

Provenance: ex-Don Christensen collection, acquired in the 1960s and 1970s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#155045

  • Condition: Repairs to frontal areas of body and base, with small chips and light adhesive residue along break lines. Several stable fissures across base and body, with fading to original pigment and gilding, and light encrustations. Nice patina and remains of pigment as well as gilding throughout.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

April 30, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000