He's called Budai and he originates from China. The story goes that he was a happy Buddhist monk. However, he is also seen as Maitreya - a Buddha to come. A Buddha of contentment. A being thoroughly happy with what he has and free of desire to have more. The latter seems to be a useful quality in our time of fear and consequently - of unqunechable thirst for more (things, emotions, pleasure, satisfaction, etc.).
