Figure: Shoulao, God of Longevity, Stand

This is the stand of a carved depiction of Pudai, also known as "the laughing Buddha." He is usually depicted as a large, half-naked figure who is said to have a carefree expression given that he has overcome the cares and anxieties which burden people. In Buddhist belief, he is regarded as a saintly figure with an unconventional approach to traditional Buddhist ideas. Wood, as the second of the five Chinese elements, is highly venerated as a material for decorative art, resulting in artists frequently ornamenting their wooden materials with images of mythical and / or religious meaning.

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