Gilt silver hat ornament in the shape of the ‘Laughing Buddha’ or Putai. He has a good and loving nature and is traditionally depicted as a fat-bellied bald man wearing a robe and playing with prayer beads. Putai is often surrounded by adoring children. He is poor but content and his image graces many Chinese temples, restaurants and shops. The hat ornament dates from the late Qing (1644 – 1912) to the early Republic period (1912 – 1947). Height 3.2 cm. Width 2.8 cm.