Laughing Buddha Statues of Nepal are perhaps one of the most loved artifacts. They are mostly seen in homes, offices, hotels, gardens, restaurants and shops. Laughing Buddha statues are the most popular artifacts. In China Maitreya is known as "the laughing Buddha" and is usually represented as a rotund figure with a happy disposition. His Chinese name is Pu-tai Ho-shang or "Hemp-bag monk". Laughing Buddha is originally a fertility figure who was known to bring "goodies" in his bag to local townsfolk, especially children. Later, he became a pre-incarnation of Maitreya. In Japan a laughing Buddha is called Hotei and is one of the seven lucky gods. Most people encounter this figure in Chinese shops and restaurants and confuse him for the historical Buddha Shakyamuni. The common tradition is to rub his belly for good luck and prosperity this is because his big figure is a sign of abundance.

The Laughing Buddha is a symbol of happiness, contentment, and prosperity. He is bald a rotund figure with a warm smiling face. He is clothed in robes, and his protruding tummy symbolizes abundance and mirth. He is also believed to be the future Buddha or Maitreya Buddha .

Sculptures and statues of the Laughing Buddha often depict him as carrying a sack that is filled with ‘goodies' like sweets, food and rice plants. The latter is a symbol of wealth. He is sometimes seen holding a wish-giving fan. The fan in Laughing Buddha Statues is believed to be the ultimate symbol of happiness and joy. The Happy Buddha is also depicted holding a staff on which rests a Wulu gourd. This is believed to be filled with the elixir for eternal youth. Often, he holds a begging bow. His amulet symbolizes his authority in Heaven and his generous power.

Happy Buddha statues often also depict children playing at his feet. The Laughing Buddha on a cart being pulled by children is another depiction. The other common postures are the sitting Laughing Buddha, the standing Laughing Buddha and the Laughing Buddha with his arms in the air.
The Laughing Buddha is also known as the Laughing Buddha of Plenty. In Feng Shui, he is the symbol for wealth. It is believed that rubbing his tummy which contains wealth, luck, good fortune and joy will be ours. Laughing Buddha statues are popular house warming gifts. They are also used as good luck charms. It is commonly held that statues of the Laughing Buddha must not be placed on the floor. They must be positioned on an elevated surface, as a sign of respect. Moreover, the best direction to place them is the personal wealth direction.

The Laughing Buddha spreads joy and happiness wherever he goes. He usually carries a bag or gourd and may be sitting on or carrying coins. When shown with coins the Buddha brings prosperity and riches as well as happiness. Many believe that rubbing the Buddha's belly will bring luck and joy.

Statues of the Laughing Buddha have been made in a variety of material:

• Pewter, Cold cast resin, Ceramic, Bronze, Brass, Gold , Porcelain,  Rose quartz. Wood Stone (marble, jade, soapstone, crushed stone among others), Fiber, Terracotta

Most Laughing Buddha statues are hard carved. They are available individually or as a group of six handcrafted sculptures. These are the six different representations of the Maitreya Buddha. They are placed in homes to attract more happiness.The fan in Laughing Buddha Statues is believed to be the ultimate symbol of happiness and joy. The celestial Buddha named Hotei or Pu-Tai is best known as the jolly Laughing Buddha. Sculptures, statues or figurines of the Laughing Buddha often depict him as carrying a sack filled with sweets, food and rice plants