Our friend and client Mario Buatta, the renowned interior designer, owned a dozen Chinese Laughing Boys in his private collection—figures he loved for their charm, personality, and symbolism. We had the privilege of acquiring and selling them several years ago (see last image). These three antique Chinese figures would have fit in perfectly beside Mario’s set. At one glance, you can see the unique personality of each boy—each one joyful and distinct.
This charming set of three antique Chinese export porcelain figures, known as Laughing Boys or “HoHo boys”, was hand-painted in vibrant enamels around 1800.
The seated figures wear brightly colored floral jackets in yellow, turquoise, and green.
The robes are richly hand-painted with flowers, contrasting beautifully with reddish-brown bases that evoke stylized rockwork or drapery.
Their faces are delicately painted, capturing a sense of animated cheer.
The Laughing Boys are traditionally seen as emblems of happiness, harmony, and prosperity.
Their joyful expressions and childlike appearance make them enduring symbols of good fortune.
In Chinese tradition, these figures often represent the wish for a large, successful family.
Popular among both Chinese patrons and Western collectors, figures like these were part of the flourishing export porcelain trade during the Qing Dynasty.
Dimensions: height ranging from 6″ to 7″ tall x 4″ across x 2.25″ deep
Condition: Excellent
Price: $1,600
Key Features:
• From a tradition admired by interior designer Mario Buatta
• Set of three antique Chinese export porcelain figures
• Hand-painted in vivid enamel colors with floral robes
• Known as “HoHo Boys” or Laughing Boys
• Symbols of happiness, harmony, and prosperity
• Associated with the wish for family success
• Finely modeled Chinese figures from the Qing Dynasty
• Made circa 1800 for the export market

Dimensions: height ranging from 6″ to 7″ tall x 4″ across x 2.25″ deep

Condition: Excellent