A crackle glaze and bisque ceramic figure of a seated monk or Budai

This decorative ceramic figure depicts a monk or deity, such as Budai, seated in a cross-legged position. The figure’s robes are finished in a heavy, cream-coloured crackle glaze, accented with gilded patterns and edging. The head, hands, chest, and right foot are rendered in a contrasting matte, unglazed buff-toned bisque. A small, gilded figure of a seated Buddha is applied to the centre of the exposed chest. The face features expressive, painted eyes and eyebrows, and the character is depicted with elongated earlobes. The unglazed base features two large circular firing vents. No impressed, incised, or printed manufacturer’s marks are visible on the base or body. The base bears a modern auction label and a fragment of a paper label.