Laughing Matters
Since laughter is universal, it’s no surprise that happy subjects appeal to artists everywhere. For World Laughter Day, we have the pleasure of presenting a few artworks from The Met collection sure to leave you in stitches—or at least lift your spirits a bit. Say “ha!”
Smiles All ’Round

Buddhist monk Budai. China, Qing dynasty (1644–1911). Porcelain with ivory glaze (Dehua ware); H. 6 3/4 in., W. 7 1/4 in., D. 5 1/2 in.; 17th–18th century. The Friedsam Collection, Bequest of Michael Friedsam, 1931 (32.100.422)
Giggles & Grapes

Allegory of Autumn (Bacchus). Filippo Parodi (Italian, 1630–1702). Carved poplar, varnished and gilt; H: 42 15/16 in.; ca. 1670s. Gift of Mark Fletcher and Tobias Meyer, 2018 (2018.597)
Laughing His Head Off

Terracotta head of a man. Greek, South Italian, Tarentine. Terracotta, H. 1 7/8 in., 4th century B.C. Rogers Fund, 1910 (10.210.102)
Smile for the Camera

Making Much Merriment

Young Man and Woman in an Inn. Frans Hals (Dutch,1582/83–1666). Oil on canvas, 41 1/2 x 31 1/4 in., 1623. Bequest of Benjamin Altman, 1913 (14.40.602)
Demure Chuckles

Netsuke of Seated Figure of Usume Laughing. Japan. Ivory; H. 1 in., W. 1 11/16 in., D. 1 5/8 in.; 19th century. Bequest of Stephen Whitney Phoenix, 1881 (81.1.36)
Lots of LOLZ

Standing smiling figure. Remojadas (Mexico, Mesoamerica, Veracruz). Ceramic; H. 20 7/16 x W. 16 3/4 x D. 4 in.; 7th–9th century. The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Bequest of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1979 (1979.206.561)
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