Kumbum Monastery Debate College: Embroideries of the Eighteen Arhats

CHINA, Qinghai, Xining; Qing dynasty

The Eighteen Arhats are embroidered on a black background. They all look different: some have a high forehead and high cheekbones, some have a full face and cheeks; several are depicted with their eyes wide open and seem angry, others look peaceful; some bare their chests, some hold sutras, and others hold a fan. The monastic robes worn by the Arhats look like a field of merit or have complicated floral patterns. The folds of the robes appear to be flowing and the colors are vivid. At the sides of their bodies there are decorations with flowers, trees, auspicious clouds, youths, or patrons. Each Arhat appears vibrant and his individual character is clearly shown.
Applique images on padded fabric are one of the specialities of Kumbum Monastery, in which these are hung. The padded applique technique is applied to a large piece of fabric. Silk pieces of various colors are cut into various shapes and filled with wool, cotton, and other types of padding. They are then embroidered with colorful threads. The padding gives the embroidery a layered appearance.