This antique lacquer figurine is that of the Bodhisattva Manjusri (文殊菩薩). Bodhisattva Manjusri and Maitreya are the often depicted with the Gautama Buddha with Manjusri on the left and Maitreya on his right, representing wisdom and teaching receptively.
Mantra of Manjushri
The creature Bodhisattva Manjusri is riding is a green lion (suan ni), the 8th son of the dragon. He adores the incense and sitting so you will also be able to find him as a decoration for the feet of the incense burner.
Tomorrow is the 2557th birthday of the Buddha, Vesakh,a holy day that commensurate the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha by Buddhist all over the world. The date of the celebration differ slightly throughout the different countries, 8th of lunar April, in Thailand for example, Vesakh is on the 24th May.
On this special day, the devoted Buddhist will observe the 8 Precepts:
I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures.
I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.
I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual activity.
I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech.
I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.
I undertake the precept to refrain from eating at the forbidden time (i.e., after noon).
I undertake the precept to refrain from dancing, singing, music, going to see entertainments, wearing garlands, using perfumes, and beautifying the body with cosmetics.
I undertake the precept to refrain from lying on a high or luxurious sleeping place.
If you happen to be in Hong Kong, join in the celebration.
Mountain Folkcraft 