# Happy Buddha Ho Tai Seated on Rock, Small Prosperity Statue, Antique Gold and Red, 3.5 in

## Laughing Out Loud: a Laughing Buddha Statue

Hotai sits on a rock with a big open grin. This Laughing Buddha statue stands for prosperity at home and the lifting of sadness. Hand painted details in antique gold and red give the small prosperity statue a lively look. At 3.5 in tall and 0.3 lbs, it is easy to place almost anywhere.

### Product Details

-   Material: Crushed stone and resin
-   Finish: Hand painted antique gold and red
-   Dimensions: 3.5 in H x 3.5 in L
-   Weight: 0.3 lbs
-   Product number: O-116GR

## The Monk Who Laughed

Often called the Happy Buddha, he is Ho Tai, also written Budai, Hotai, or Hotei. Tradition describes him as a monk in China. He belonged to the Later Liang Dynasty, which lasted from 907 to 923 AD. The Ho Tai monk carried a cloth sack and was loved by children. A note dated 917 AD calls him an incarnation of Maitreya, the future Buddha.

## A Seat on the Rock

Here Ho Tai monk sits on a rock rather than a sack. The rock suggests the wandering life of a monk who owned little. His open grin is the heart of the figure. This Laughing Buddha statue invites the same easy mood. The big belly of the Ho Tai monk stands for contentment.

## Hand Painted Details

Hand painted details mean each piece is finished by eye, so tones can vary slightly. The antique gold and red suit a small prosperity statue. Gold is the color of good fortune, and red is the color of celebration. This finish keeps the figure bright.

## From a Sad Face to a Laugh

The Princeton University Art Museum holds a rubbing of a stone carving dated 1088. It shows an early Budai with a sad grimace. The laughing version came later. The Horniman Museum in London holds a soapstone Budai described as a smiling, big bellied temple deity.

## Placing the Figure

A small prosperity statue works well near an entry, a desk, or a shop counter. The Laughing Buddha figurine is light, so it moves easily when you rearrange a room. Pair it with a plant or a candle for a calm corner.

This Laughing Buddha statue is 3.5 in tall and weighs 0.3 lbs. It fits a shelf, a desk, or a windowsill. Dust it with a soft dry brush. See more of our [Asian Art Collection](https://www.museumize.com/collections/asian-art), including the [Happy Buddha Hotei figurine](https://www.museumize.com/products/happy-buddha-hotei-figurine).

Chan Buddhist monks carried the story of the Ho Tai monk to Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. Place this small prosperity statue near a door or desk, where the hand painted details catch the light. The Laughing Buddha statue brings cheer wherever it stands.

## For More Reading

-   Read how the monk became a symbol of joy across East Asia. [Budai - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budai)
-   See the early sad faced Budai on a 1088 rubbing. [Rubbing of a stone carving of Budai - Princeton University Art Museum](https://artmuseum.princeton.edu/collections/objects/57546)
-   Compare a smiling soapstone Budai in London. [Budai Heshang - Horniman Museum and Gardens](https://www.horniman.ac.uk/object/1990.79/)

## Details

- **Price:** 19.95 USD
- **Vendor:** Ancient Treasures
- **Type:** Statues
- **Tags:** collection-ancient-treasures, culture-asian-oriental, in-stock-museum-gift-store, interest-asian-happy-buddha, size-mini-under-4-in, statues

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| Default | 19.95 USD | In stock |

## Images

- Laughing Buddha statue seated on a rock, front view
- A golden Laughing Buddha statue seated on a textured base, draped in red robes, photographed against a plain white background.
- Hand holding for scale Ho Tai with a big open grin in antique gold and red
- back view of the small prosperity statue
- Top view of the small prosperity statue Budai
- Side view of the small prosperity statue
- Close-up of the hand painted details on the Buddha, see the antiqued red and gold

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> Source: [Museumize.com](https://www.museumize.com/products/small-laughing-buddha-statue)
> Updated: 2026-10-20