Out of budai experience

This is my lovely jade Buddha. I believe this type of laughing Buddha is more correctly called a budai. I bought him in an antique shop in Asia years ago as a present for my Mum, and he is now mine.

Laughing Buddhas are supposed to bring luck, and there are various combinations of things that can be on the statue.

This one is more especially to keep you safe on long journeys. He carries a bag of blessings over his right shoulder, and the fan in his left hand is supposed to protect you.

It is said that rubbing a budai's tummy brings luck. It can't do any harm at any rate.

My budai's tummy is now very shiny. That says a lot about me.