Vintage Japan Handcrafted Laughing Buddha Hotei Luck Bringing Jade Green Candle

Hotei is one of the Shichi Fukujin, the seven Japanese Shinto-gods of luck. He is the god of happiness, laughter and the wisdom of contentment, and is the patron of the weak and children. Hotei is distinguished by his body of generous proportions and round stomach exposed beneath loose robes. His big belly is a symbol of happiness, luck and generosity. On his back he carries a huge linen bag containing precious things and gifts of good fortune. His face has a widely grinning or laughing expression, and he is also known as the Laughing Buddha. In Japan, Hotei has become a symbol of happiness, good fortune, prosperity and generosity. People believe that to make wishes come true, you need to rub the belly of the figurine three hundred times, thinking about what you want to come true.