Hotei or Buddha of Happiness. Thailand, 19th century

Hotei or Buddha of happiness. Thailand, 19th century.
Bronze.
Measurements: 9 cm (height).

Bronze sculpture representing a Buddha of happiness, with the face illuminated by a smile and its characteristic prominent belly uncovered. The tradition attributes good luck to the one who caresses the generous belly. Popularly known as "Fat Buddha", his mythological origin dates back to the time of the Chinese Liang Dynasty. He is believed to have been a Buddhist monk who, due to his benevolent nature, came to be considered an incarnation of the bodhisattva Maitreya.