Budai or Laughing Buddha Belt Toggle

Often mistake for the Buddha in western cultures, this belt toddle depicts Budai, a Chinese monk who lived around the 10th century. Carved from wood, this little Budai is holding a vase in one hand and a wealth ball in the other. He also has a companion who is holding a fan. There is a floral design carved into the back of this toggle.

Another reason toggles went out of fashion, may have been the rise of power tools. Though we may think that industrialization would have spurred a rise in their creation, instead it may have lead to a loss in the pride of craftsmanship and an impatience from the apprentices learning from the toggle making masters.

H. 2 ⅜" ; L. 1 ¾"; W. 1 ½"