MING DYNASTY, 16TH CENTURY

The monk Budai, also known as the Laughing Buddha, is an incarnation of the Bodhisattva Maitreya, the Buddha predicted to succeed Gautama Buddha in the future. Typically depicted with a joyful expression and wearing loose fitting robes to reveal his plump stomach representing contentment and abundance, Budai is also associated with the protection of children and is often shown with small children playfully climbing on his belly or back.