Who is the ‘Laughing Buddha’? A scholar of East Asian Buddhism explains

Porcelain 'Laughing Buddha' image, China, 17th-18th century. Metropolitan Museum of Art

With his delighted expression, round belly, bald head and monastic robes, the “Laughing Buddha” is instantly identifiable. However, astute observers might wonder why this buddha does not look like the historical Buddha, who lived in India about 2,500 years ago.

A third-century standing Buddha statue, from ancient Gandhara, in Pakistan. Metropolitan Museum of Art