Delightful Buddha statue decor.
Laughing Buddha Figurine is also known as a Hotei (how-tay). It is a very lucky Buddha statue.
The Hotei is also known as the Cheering Hotei. The Hotei is not the same as the historic Buddha. The Sanskrit name for the Hotei is Maitreya (the future Buddha).
Hotei is a folk legend fashioned after a Buddhist monk and Hotei are typically depicted as smiling, bald, big bellied and carrying a bountiful cloth sack. Hotei is associated with good fortune, prosperity and contentment.
Zen Buddhism tells of Hotei giving candy to poor children he encounters on his travels. He asks for one penny from the Zen monks that he meets. There is a story about one encounter where a monk approaches him and asks, "What is the meaning of Zen?" Hotei puts his bag down and answers. "How does one realize Zen?" Then he picks up his bag and continues on his travels.
Taoism in Japan includes the Hotei as one of the Seven Lucky gods. This Cheering Hotei is one of the most popular and beloved of the Zen Buddhist statues.
This laughing Buddha figurine is made of Blanc-de-Chine porcelain.
Seated Buddha statue measures 4 inches high by 6.5 inches wide by 3 inches deep.
Product Code EFNB-028