China, 1368-1644. Covered with a striking gilt-lacquer coating, the Laughing Buddha shows his characteristic cheerful expression, with gently arched eyebrows above the gleefully squinting eyes. The carving is of superb quality, leaving no doubt as to the dating of this work.Provenance: French private collection, by repute in the same family since the late 19th century. By descent to the present owner.Condition: The condition commensurate with age, extensive wear to gilding and lacquer, remnants of polychrome painting, chips, age cracks and losses.Weight: 3,957 g (total)Dimensions: Height 28 cm (incl. base)Further distinct features of this expressive sculpture are the broad nose, the slender lips lacquered in red, opening slightly and showing a white-lacquered row of teeth. The face is flanked by long ears with pronounced lobes.With a custom-fitted hardwood base dating to the late 19th – early 20th century. The base with minor chips, nicks, and light scratches here and there.Auction result comparison: Compare with a lacquered wood head of a luohan, sold by Christie's London in Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art on 13 May 2014, lot 423, for GBP 6,250.明代鎏金漆木雕布袋頭像中國,1368-1644年。笑佛覆蓋著醒目的鎏金漆面,表現出他獨特的開朗表情。長眉輕柔拱起,雙眼笑眯。雕刻質量極高,這件作品的年代毫無疑問。來源:法國私人收藏,據説自十九世紀末起保存在同一家族。直至現任藏家。 品相:狀況與其年齡相應,鎏金漆嚴重磨損,彩漆繪殘留,有碎屑、年齡裂縫和缺損。 重量:縂 3,957 克 尺寸:高 28 厘米 拍賣結果比較:比較一尊漆木羅漢頭像,於2014年5月13日倫敦佳士得Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art拍場,拍號423,售價GBP 6,250。