H.: 25 cm - L.: 20,5 cm - W.: 10,5 cm

Vajraputra, seated in a pose of ‘royal ease’ on the back of a Buddhist lion, wears a loosely fitting robe incised with lotus and ruyi patterns. His right hand, crossed in front of his chest, holds a vajra sceptre, whilst his left hand rests on his knee. His face is carved in detail with a demure expression. Vajraputra, also known as Xiaoshi luohan in Chinese, is one of the 18 luohans, representing freedom from inhibition and playfulness. He is often portrayed with a Buddhist lion.

The material from which Vajraputra is carved is of ivory white colour, contrasting with the light pink and purple-coloured material used for the Buddhist lions and the bases. Some traces of blue, green, black and red pigments are visible as well as some gilding in the incised lines.

Provenance:
- By repute: from the collection of Karl With, Germany
- On the back of the base, an old label for: Collection Vecht, Rokin 30, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Acquired from Kunstzalen A. Vecht, Amsterdam, at the Delft antiques fair in 1974.
- A Dutch private collection.

Exhibited: Tefaf 2015.

See also:
- Sotheby's, London, 9 Nov. 2016, Lot 233, for a related example dated to the Kangxi period, probably from the same workshop or artist, from the Joseph M. Morpurgo Collection (link)

Condition: (UV-checked)
- The figure with a section of the lower foot restuck, as well as a section on the back of the figure. The outer left section of the robe also reglued. With a small chip to the tip of the nose, minor wear to the green and blue paint as well as to the gilding. Also with a small area of discolouration on the top of the head.
- The lion with one glass eye and one out of probably lapis. The tip of the tongue retouched and with a break to each of the paws. The base probably with a restored break, the surface with a number of small chips and superficial wear. 
- With an inscription on the sadle of the lion and on the back of the figure.