Hotei, in Japanese mythology one of the Shichi-Fuku-Jin (“Seven Gods of Luck”). This popular figure is depicted frequently in contemporary crafts as a cheerful, contented Buddhist monk with a large exposed belly, often accompanied by children. Tradition relates him to a Chinese monk called Pu-tai, who because of his benevolent  nature came to be regarded as an incarnation of the bodhisattva.

this is a truly beautiful ceramic piece