Smiling with a Ruyi

Viewing notes

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

This light-toned, big-bellied laughing monk sits at ease on a great golden lotus throne. Bald, with long earlobes reaching his shoulders, his eyes crinkle into crescents of laughter; his chest is bare above a round, full belly, and a chunky strand of golden prayer beads hangs at his neck. His right hand rests on his knee, loosely holding a string of beads, while his left raises a golden ruyi sceptre, its lingzhi-shaped head set with a jewel and its shaft carved all over with pattern. Below, a pale-blue painted robe flows with red and green water-scrolls and foliage through its folds, one foot kicked up onto the seat's edge in relaxed play. Behind him a peach-shaped aureole is pierced and carved entirely in gold, layer upon layer of scrolling lotus; the throne's two tiers of full petals are studded at petal-tip and waist with red, blue and green inlays. Gold sets off the pale figure: festive, never loud. Place him in a tea room, an entryway or on a desk, and he makes visitors smile first — a warm piece for good fortune and good company.