The pendant set with a highly translucent jadeite of emerald green colour, carved as a 'laughing Buddha', surmounted by an 18 karat gold hoop, accompanied by two adjustable black cords decorated with brilliant-cut diamonds. Laughing Buddha measuring approximately 44.50 x 49.89 x 12.98mm. This lot contains jadeite or rubies originating in Burma (also known as Myanmar) and also articles of jewellery containing such gemstones may not be imported into the U.S. With respect to items containing any other types of gemstones originating in Burma (e.g. sapphires), such items may be imported into the U.S. provided that the gemstones were mounted or incorporated into articles of jewellery outside of Burma as long as the setting is not of a temporary nature. Loose gemstones of any type originating in Burma may not be imported into the U.S. In this regard, purchaser’s inability to import any item into the U.S. or any other country as a result of these or other restrictions shall not justify a cancellation of the sale or any delay in payment.
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The Laughing Buddha “A bellyful of magnanimity, taking in all the world’s unbearableness; Always full of laughter, amused by the world’s foolish people.” Maitreya is regarded as a “Future Buddha” of this world in Buddhist eschatology. He is the successor of Dipankara, Buddha of the Past, and Gautama, Buddha of the Present. It is prophesized that Maitreya will be born in this world to lead the Buddhist realm and deliver all mortals from sufferings. Maitreya Buddha has been portrayed in three ways in Buddhist tradition of Mahayana practised in China – the image of a sitting, cross-legged Bodhisattva in the era of the Sixteen Kingdoms and that of a Buddha in meditation posture or seated leaning pose in the Northern Wei Dynasty. Looking dignified, the Buddha’s slender, tall figure is featured in both the depictions. However, it is the third image of Maitreya that has proven the most popular – a fat monk with a large belly and smiling face. Legend has it that this image was modeled after Monk Qici, also known as Budai Monk, of the Five Dynasties period. Always carrying a cloth sack with him, he travelled everywhere to enlighten anyone he crossed path with. Before he passed away, he uttered a Buddhist hymn: “Maitreya, the true Maitreya has billions of incarnations. Often he is shown to people but they do not recognize him.” Due to this, he is said to have reincarnated from Maitreya. Since then, the laughing, potbellied Maitreya Buddha has become one of the favourite motifs in traditional Chinese jade carvings. His prominent belly is a metaphor for extraordinariness within plainness; an expression of goodness amid ugliness; his hearty smile reflects dignity amid humour and compassion shown amid ridicule. This autumn, Tiancheng International will offer a highly translucent emerald green jadeite ‘Laughing Buddha’ pendant (Lot 212) and an icy lavender jadeite ‘Laughing Buddha’ pendant (Lot 285). Meticulously crafted, both of the ‘Laughing Buddha’ pendants are the perfect embodiment of the blessings of Maitreya, exuding an unworldly charm filled with happiness and peace.