Small Stone Seated Laughing Buddha

Based on an eccentric Chinese Zen monk who lived over 1,000 years ago, the Laughing Buddha has become a significant part of Buddhist lore. Because of this monk's kind disposition, he came to be regarded as an incarnation of the bodhisattva who will be Maitreya (the Future Buddha). His large belly and jolly smile have given him the moniker "Laughing Buddha" or in the West "Fat Buddha."

This small stone Laughing Buddha statue is a symbol of contentment and abundance. The image of Hotei is almost always seen carrying a cloth or linen sack filled with goodies for children, food, and salvation. He is patron of the weak, poor and children.