Final answer:
Maitreya, commonly known as the "laughing Buddha", is a symbol of joy and prosperity, which contrasts with the more serene depictions of the historical Buddha in traditional Buddhist art.
Step-by-step explanation:
Maitreya, often depicted as the "laughing Buddha", is a figure who represents abundance and good fortune in Buddhist iconography. This image is frequently misunderstood to be Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha; however, Maitreya is in fact a bodhisattva who is believed to be a future Buddha that will appear on Earth, achieve complete enlightenment, and teach the pure dharma. The depiction of Maitreya as the laughing Buddha originates from Chinese folklore and is associated with Budai, a 10th-century monk who is venerated as a manifestation of Maitreya and is characterized by his jovial nature, potbelly, and the propensity to laugh, which symbolizes happiness, generosity, and contentment. In contrast, historical representations of the Buddha, such as the statues from Gandhara, portray a very different image—serene and contemplative—as seen in the various sculptures and artifacts from different historical periods and regions that illuminate the Buddha's enlightened state, the subject matter of his teachings, and the style of depiction of his form.