Circa 18th century, Mongolia, Budai, brass, 19 cm, private collection, photo on Michael Backman
Often mistaken for a buddha (and nicknamed ‘The Happy Buddha’), Budai was a 10th century Zen master from China. Because of the bare chest and large belly, Hvashang, the patron of the arhats, is often confused with him (yet Hvashang holds different attributes and is always surrounded with children). One of these two sculptures depicts Budai with a thin object in his right hand and a rosary in the other, no moustache, and a flat cap. On the other, the implements are in reverse order, he has a thin moustache, and he wears a lotus hap topped with a lotus bud and decorated with a triple gem at the front.
Himalayan Buddhist Art - Art Bouddhiste de l'Himalaya 