Chinese Figure of Jambhala, God of Wealth

A mongoose tucked in his left hand, a round fruit raised in his right, both cut from the same small block.

This figure of Jambhala, god of wealth, comes from China and is contemporary, carved in boxwood. In Buddhist art Jambhala is usually shown seated and well fed, holding a mongoose said to spit jewels, a sign of the abundance he grants. He sits on a double lotus base with one leg lowered, the foot resting on a small lotus. A tall openwork crown frames a bearded face, beaded necklaces fall across his chest, and scarves loop behind his arms. It is 6 inches high, 4.13 wide and 3.25 deep.

Boxwood carves tight, and the carver took full advantage.