The Laughing Buddha (also known as Hotei in Japan or Pu-Tai in China) is thought to be based on an actual wandering Chinese monk who lived at the time of the Liang Dynasty (907-923 AD). He is incorporated in Buddhist, Taoist and Shinto traditions. Because of this monk's benevolent nature, he came to be regarded as an incarnation of the bodhisattva who will be Maitreya (the Future Buddha). He is most often depicted laughing or smiling, with a large round belly which, according to Chinese mythology, is the “seat of souls”. He is patron for the weak, the poor and children. He is also thought to take away our woes, and he symbolizes good luck, contentment and abundance.

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