Baby Buddha- represents the Buddha right after his birth pointing toward Heaven and Earth so that they can witness his first steps. Twenty years ago I had a nearly identical Japanese Baby Buddha (#2525 on my website). This one has a finer patina and may be more finely cast, but is extremely similar in almost every way. It was certainly made in the same workshop, and probably by the same hand. Fortunately, the other one (#2525)has an inscription on it (this one does not, but is almost certainly the same age as the other one within 10 or 20 years). The woman I mentored at the time was able to read Japanese- she translated the year to late 15th century Japan(Japanese late Azuchi-Momoyama Period)1492-1496 (by inscription), It is substantial and stands a full 15.5 inches on its integral base. Extremely graceful and balanced. Every fingernail toenail and lotus petal on the base was carefully cast and finished. The face sparkles. My mentor ended up purchasing the other one for herself-I am starting this one at a lower price than I sold that one to her for( more than twenty years ago). ( 5"W x 15.25"H x 5"D )