DATE: Victorian, c.1890

Charming antique coral Budai charm dating from the latter half of the 19th century. Budai is a semi-historical Chinese monk, worshipped is Chan Buddhisman as Maitreya Buddha - one who will appear on Earth in the future, achieve complete enlightenment, and go on to teach the pure dharma. The prophecy of the Mautreya refers to a point in the future when the dharma will have been forgotten by most on Earth. Budai is said to have lived in the Wuyue kingdom in the 10th century, and his name literally means "cloth sack". He's almost always depicted laughing, and is known for his humorous personality and jolly nature - it is said that rubbing his belly will bring good luck. In the West, Budai is often mistaken for Siddhartha Gautama (the man who reached complete enlightenment, and who's teachings form the basis of Buddhism) himself, and incorrectly referred to as "Fat Buddha". This one's carved from a single piece of red coral embellished with gold fittings for wear as a pendant/charm.

STONES 

Coral

MEASUREMENTS 

1.9 x 1.4 x 1.1cm

WEIGHT 

3.0g

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as 9k gold

CONDITION 

Very good