Serpentine Jade Laughing Buddha

A laughing jade Buddha made of serpentine jade from China. The rounded seated anatomy with a reclining pose and laughing face follows the classic Hotei iconography of East Asian sculptural tradition.

Serpentine (Mg,Fe)₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄ is classified as a jade material in Chinese tradition, alongside nephrite jade. The mint-green to dark-green color is caused by the crystal lattice itself and is a characteristic property of the material.

The laughing Buddha (Hotei or Budai) symbolizes happiness and prosperity. The figure is one of the oldest and most popular motifs in East Asian sculptural tradition.

Chinese sculptural workshops have been working with serpentine jade for centuries. The balanced proportions of the seated sculpture result in a display-ready living space format.

A Chinese collector's item with documented sculptural tradition and classic Hotei iconography.