Laughing Buddha

A common statuette found in homes and businesses in China and Japan is Hotei, more commonly known as the Laughing Buddha. The name literally means "cloth bag" or "glutton" and The Laughing Buddha carries his wealth in a large bag (sometimes he also carries money, sometimes candy, children, food, rice plants or other indicators of wealth) usually carried over his shoulder. Hotei is happy because he is well-fed (indicated by his great girth), wealthy and can afford to be generous. He brings happiness to others through his appearance and rubbing his belly is supposed to bring luck. The title "Buddha" does not directly refer to the founder of Buddhism but indicates that the figure has a benevolent nature and is known for good works.
Hotei is theorized to have begun as a real Buddhist monk in China over 1,000 years ago named Pu-Tai. He was considered a man of good and loving character and, therefore, an incarnation of the bodhisattva. However, his large belly sets him apart from other ascetics. The Chinese legend is seen as being melded into the Shinto god of luck Hotei when Buddhist monks migrated to Japan to spread their religion. This figure then became common figure for both Japan and China as a deliverer of good luck, contentment, and prosperity.