Antique Chinese Blanc de Chine porcelain Happy Buddha, 18th century.

Description Antique Chinese Blanc de Chine porcelain Happy Buddha, 18th century.   Dimensions : 20.0 x 16.5 x 16.0 cm.   History of Blanc de Chine: Blanc de Chine porcelain or Dehua porcelain is a type of Chinese white porcelain, manufactured in the Dehua area, Fuijan province. The production of blanc de chine began in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and continues to this day. Region along the Fujian coast is one of the main export centers for ceramics. In the early 18th century, large quantities of Chinese porcelain were exported to Europe and copied in particular at Meissen. The special feature of Dehua porcelain is the small amount of iron oxide it contains, which allows it to be fired in an oxidizing atmosphere until it acquires a warm white or soft ivory color. This color makes it instantly recognizable and quite different from the porcelain of the Jingdezhen imperial kilns. The Dehua kilns also produce other ceramic items, some of which have blue decoration with azure colour.   History of Happy Buddha: Happy Buddha (Budai or Laughing Buddha) has origins centered around cult worship and local legend. He is traditionally depicted as a fat, bald monk wearing a simple robe.  He carries his few possessions in a cloth sack, being poor but content. He would excitingly entertain the adoring children that followed him and was known for patting his large belly happily.  His figure appears throughout Chinese culture as a representation of both contentment and abundance. Budai attracted the townspeople around him as he was able to predict people’s fortunes and even weather patterns.  A recovered death note dated to 916 or 917 CE, which the monk himself wrote, claims that he is an incarnation of Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future. A Laughing Buddha (Happy Buddha) is the ultimate symbol of happiness, taking away any problem, symbolizing good fortune, wealth in private and career, life fulfillment. The Laughing Buddha has become a deity of contentment and abundance, when adopted by religious Taoists and Buddhists. Budai is almost always represented as carrying a cloth or linen sack, which never empties, hence he became the ultimate symbol of happiness and wealth. Antique Chinese Blanc de Chine porcelain Happy Buddha, 18th century – A very beautiful and collectible item.   Code: C131