Chinese Plaque Amulet Depicting Buddhai with Child Holding RuYi Scepter, Bat and Dragon

Among swirling carved clouds, a round-bellied figure smiles while a child climbs above.

This plaque amulet depicting a Buddha-like figure with child holding a ruyi scepter, bat and dragon is from China, and dates to the early 20th century. It is bone. Bone is a hard, fine-grained material that can be carved in low relief, and Chinese carvers used it for small amulets and ornaments. Cream-colored and rectangular, this plaque is densely carved in relief, with a laughing seated figure at the center and a small child perched above. Curling clouds and creatures fill the border, and it stands on a black base. It is 2 inches wide, 0.5 deep and 3 high.

Every inch is occupied, and nobody seems to mind.