Country Group:

Item id: 9898

This is a very uncommon small Thai Buddha or Monk. It is an unusual sculpture in that it appears to mix elements typically seen in two different figures in Thai sculpture. 
One is Sankajai Who is the "Fat" or "Happy" Buddha in Thailand It is the analog to the Hotel in China. It is believed that he brings good fortune or wealth. He is not technically not the Buddha, but a monk. 

The hand position he has is typically seen on Nam Quok-A female figure that is often seen in front of Thai restaurants and in other Thai businesses. She is there to greet all who enter. I do not believe that she is a Buddhist figure but is more of a folk character.
I have seen this combination of the fat Buddha with the hand position of NamQuok a few times over the years, but I'm not sure if it's meant to have a specific meaning other than what I've described above. 
The piece is beautifully cast and finished, plus it has a very good patina. Especially remarkable to find this rare subject of this quality in this diminutive size. If you blow the photograph up to a really large size you cannot tell that it is a miniature. This is one of the best ways to know that a miniature is of exceptional quality. Looks to have good age, but I do not know how to date so I am giving an estimate of 18/19thC as an educated guess. Note the wonderful sash around his chest which is tied into a complex bow. Look closely at the ripples in the cloth. This is work done on a piece little more than 2 inches tall!
( 2.125"H x 1.75"W x 1"D ) - 120g