Laughing Buddha in honey jade and silver

The Laughing Buddha or mílèfó is unique to Chinese and Japanese Buddhism. Also known as The Maitreya Buddha he is always depicted as a happy, fat, balding man with his belly exposed. He represents wealth, happiness in life and fertility. He is one of the trinity representing past, present and future in the Buddhist pantheon. His image is often seen at the entrance to temples to welcome and inspire those who enter. He always has large ears which represent long life. Ears are one of the few things that keep on growing after everything else in the body begins to fade. This one carved in a rare honey coloured jade and set in sterling silver.

Height: 22mm Width: 25mm Depth:5.5mm Weight: 6 grams