Sculpture, Budai or Hotei "Buddha of abundance and protector of the weak" in resin (5 cm walnut color)

Budai (literally "rag bag") or Hotei, also known as Happy Buddha, Smiling Buddha or Fat Buddha, is a recurring figure in Chinese Buddhist iconography, sometimes interpreted as a real historical figure, and sometimes as a representation of one's neighbor. Buddha, Maitreya.
The figure of him has also been incorporated into Taoism and Shintoism.
Budai / Hotei is always represented fat and bald, with a bag on his shoulders or under his arm (from which it takes its name) that never empties and with which he feeds the poor and needy; it is full of rice plants (symbol of abundance), sweets, food and many things of great value. He often carries an alms bowl with him, which represents his nature as a Buddhist monk. His role is to protect the weak, the poor and the children, and he is often portrayed next to them. In Japanese depictions, Hotei is sometimes seated on a chariot driven by boys, or waves the wish-granting fan.
In Chan and Zen temples a statue of him is usually placed at the entrance with a smiling face facing the entrance. He is also present in a kōan of the Zen school. In this, he travels giving candy to poor children, begging only from Zen monks and lay people.
In Taoism, Budai is considered a deity of abundance and satisfaction, of being content with what you have. The big belly is a symbol of joy, luck and achievement; moreover, in the Chinese tradition the belly is considered the abode of the soul, and its size can be considered an allegory for its great goodness. According to a popular tradition, by rubbing his belly it is possible to obtain wealth, luck and prosperity.
In Ikuantao, the statues of Budai are often found in the central part of the temples; in it he is called Maitreya, but he is considered to be the embodiment of many Taoist teachings, including generosity and availability.