Laughing Buddha statues are perhaps one of the most loved artefacts. They are commonly seen in homes, offices, hotels, gardens, restaurants, shops, and museums and temples. They are made of wood, metal, porcelain, and stone or painted in colour and line.
The Laughing Buddha is a symbol of happiness, contentment and prosperity. He is called ‘Budai’ in Chinese. Figures of the Laughing Buddha at the Salar Jung Museum are popular with the visitors

According to Chinese tradition, ‘Budai’ was an eccentric Chinese Zen monk who lived during the later Liang dynasty (907-923 AD) of China. He was a native of Fenghua and his Buddhist name was Qieci (Chinese : Pinyin). He was considered a man of good and loving character. Some Buddhist traditions consider him a Buddha or ‘Bodhisattva’, usually Maitreya (the future Buddha). His large protruding stomach and jolly smile have given him the common designation “Laughing Buddha”