Wooden Chinese Standing Buddha

Colloquially known as the "Laughing Buddha", this is an image often found in China and other Asian countries. The Chinese name is Budai, and his image, in China, is often seen as an incarnation of Maitraya, the next Buddha.

According to many Asian stories, including Chinese, Budai was historically, a fat monk in the Chan dynasty. His character is always a symbol of abundance and contentment.