Painted Face Hotei

Painted Face Hotei

Mahayana Buddhism

Hotei, Budai, or “Fat Buddha” represents one of the widely represented figures of Mahayana Buddhism in China. This statue characterizes Hotei, in a typical way: described as a laughing, fat, and bald man in monk robes. The name Budai translates as “Cloth sack” in Chinese, indicating Buddha's nature. Hotei became associated with good luck and fortunes across China and many other Asian countries. Here, the statue showcases the Buddha carrying prayer beads, representing the Buddha as full of wisdom and devotion.

Check out the High Library and Sacred Texts for more information.

Sources Sakshi Chetana, Laughing Buddha: The Alchemy of Euphoric Living (Rishikesh, India: Inner Light Publishing, 2011).Contributor:

Elizabethtown College (Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, USA)

Dr. William V. Puffenberger

Elizabethtown College retains all intellectual property rights to this image including, but not limited to, digital rights and any derivative works. For permission for reproduction, please contact the College’s Program Coordinator for Humanities.

A moderately sized wooden Standing, Hands Up Hotei Holding Prayer Beads.

Puffenberger # 69
17 cm x 6.80 cm

India