Dehua-kiln, white-glazed statue of the Budai Monk

Qici was a well-known monk who lived in Mingzhou (now Ningbo), during the Later Liang Dynasty in the Five Dynasties period. He was thought to be an incarnation of the bodhisattva Maitreya, and was depicted as being plump, with a large belly, and carrying a staff and bag. Qici was well known for his wit, kindness, optimism, and wisdom, and was widely respected and loved. His name means "upholding the principles of all Buddhas above and understanding the minds of all beings below." In later generations, the image of the big-bellied Maitreya, based on Qici, came to represent the idea that great generosity brings great blessings, reminding people to learn tolerance. The Legend of Budai Monk has been included in both Ningbo City's and Zhejiang Province's intangible cultural heritage lists. In 2010, the Ministry of Culture also listed it in China's national intangible cultural heritage directory.