Color-decorated Statuette of a Seated Arhat Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)

    Height 18cm
    The Arhat was in a hanka fuza (half-lotus) sitting position. His right leg was bending in front of his breast and his right bare foot moved forward; his left leg was bending under his right leg. His sleeve covered his left hand which was on his right knee. The Arhat was bald and his head looked like a white gourd. There were humps at the top of his head and the forehead. He had big eyes and bushy eyebrows. It seemed that he was talking. Two of his front teeth can be seen clearly and he had curl beard. He was wearing a yellow kasaya and a loosen indigo blue trousers. The muscles on his neck and his pomum adami were quite clear. His front breast was bare. He was so skinny. A lot of lucky flowers were used to decorate his dress and it had grass-grain on his kasaya. It was amazing to compare with the colorful dress and the white skin.
    The statue was so different from traditional Arhat statues. The figure was vivid and his appearance was so unique, precise and being carved skillful. The whole statue was not only holy and dignified but his dress was so gorgeous. There were yellow, blue, black and white in his dress which was plain but graceful. All of these described an energetic and gentle ascetic monk. It’s so amazing that you can’t help praising.