Small Red and Gold Seated Laughing Buddha Statue

This laughing Buddha statue of red and gold is the Chinese Hotei (Ho Tai), a monk of the Later Liang Dynasty from around 900 AD. Hotei was revered for his generosity and was known to carry a sack of goodies such as candy every where he went. He shared these treats with children much to their delight. This Laughing Buddha is perceived as the incarnation of the Maitreya Bodhisattva or 'future Buddha.' He protects the weak, impoverished and young and with his bottomless sack he takes the sadness away from the citizens of the world.

In Chinese culture, the laughing Buddha statue is often placed in the home to bring propserity and joy to a family. The Buddha's big belly is a sign of wealth. No business or home should be without a Laughing Buddha statue to guarantee financial success.