Lot 723
Chinese 19th Century (Fukinese) Mulberry Root Carving. This elaborate wood carving, made in the 19th Century from a Mulberry root, consists of a base and three figures, each of which has a large peg at its base which enables the figure to be removed from the base. The dimensions are as follows: The base is approximately 36" wide, 16" tall and 21" in depth. Each of the 3 figures is about 24" tall and 30" in diameter.
The center figure of the trio is Pu-Tai, the obese Buddha with exposed belly, a Chinese version of Maitreya. This Mo-Lo-Fo is the laughing Buddha and he carries an alms dish in his right hand.
The figure on the left is Ta-Mo, the first Indian Patriach of Chinese Buddhism. In his reight hand he carries a shoe in which he as crossed the Yangtze river.
The figure on the right is Lohan holding in his left hand a ball symbolising the universe. His right hand is outstretched in hope.
The carving is beautifully done and in superb condition. Total weight approximately 100 lbs.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000.
Purchased from Bagott Church Street Ltd Antique Dealers, Gloucestershire, England May 5, 1994.
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| Realized $8,100 |
