Beautiful wooden statue depicting handmade Smiling Buddha, known as Happy Man, Pu Tai (China) or Hotei has always been a symbol of abundance and prosperity. Is defined as "loving" or "friendly". This particular depiction of the Buddha is inspired by the Chinese monk Ch'an (Zen) who lived more than 1,000 years ago and has become a significant part of Shinto and Buddhist culture. This monk, for his benevolent nature has come to be regarded as an incarnation of the bodhisattva Maitreya will, (the future Buddha). CM 43X38 KG CIRCA 7.75