Laughing with an Open Palm

Viewing notes

A viewer's written impression — not a buyer review or first-hand record

This copper-toned seated figure is laughing with his whole body. Head thrown back, eyes narrowed to slits and mouth stretched into a wide grin, he looks as if he has just heard the funniest remark of the day. His robe hangs open over the chest and a round, high belly; the right hand is raised beside him, palm turned up in an inviting sweep, while the left rests steady on his knee. He sits cross-legged on a squared rock block, the robes piling in easy folds beside his legs and one monastic shoe planted squarely on the seat. The copper is bright and full, and the laughter runs from his eyes all the way down to his belly. A figure like this carries a room's worth of good cheer with it — set it in an entryway, a living room or a tea corner and guests smile before a word is spoken; among collected figures, such unabashed merriment is a rare and welcome subject.