In China, Hotei is the god of good fortune and the guardian of children. His overly round shape indicates the abundance of inner wealth and a joy-filled soul. In fact, he was an actual person Ch'i-tz'u, a 10th century Zen monk who wandered throughout China giving generously from his never empty sack. Only at the time of his death did he reveal his true identity as the incarnation of Maitreya, the Buddha of the future. Hand cast of resin and finished with a rust patina that becomes more beautiful as it ages. 11" w x 7.5" d x 20" h