Phra Sangkachai

Late 19th century, Rattanakosin period

Gilded wood

H 26cm

Dutch private collection

This figure of the fat monk known as Phra Sangkachai sits smiling with hands around his belly on a tiered lotus throne.

The Thai Phra Sangkachai may have originated from early Theravada Buddhist traditions of the Mon culture in Burma, probably as a wealth-bestowing deity. He is sometimes confused with the Chinese Laughing Buddha, or Budai, who is an incarnation of the future Buddha Maitreya.

Sangkachai is believed to have been an Arhat (a person who attains Enlightenment) who was revered for his ability to explain the dharma teachings in a clear manner.

Popular stories tell of how he was extremely handsome and attracted unwanted advances of women as well as men. In order to avoid such inappropriate attention, he allowed himself to become extremely overweight and unattractive.