Qiongzhu Temple: Five Hundred Arhats

CHINA, Yunnan, Kunming; Qing dynasty

These Arhat statues are distributed between the Great Hero Hall, Fanyin Pavilion, and Tiantailai Pavilion. They were created by Li Guangxiu, a well-known sculptor from Sichuan, together with his five novices. Thirty-five Arhats are located in the Great Hero Hall, lining the walls in two separate rows. Each statue is distinctly individualized by their feature, posture, dress or the animals they are associated with.
The Fanyin Pavilion and Tiantailai Pavilion are collectively known as the Arhat Hall and they both house 216 statues. They are almost life-sized and arranged in three rows. Those on the top and bottom are seated, while the ones in the middle are standing. All Five Hundred Arhats are named and modeled after characters in real life, although an element of caricature enters their portrayal.