Guanyin Temple Avalokitesvara Hall: Five Hundred Arhats

CHINA, Sichuan, Chengdu; Ming dynasty

The Five Hundred Arhats are located on tiers of platforms found on both ends of the Avalokitesvara Hall. Forty-six of these Arhat figures are life-sized, measuring around 190 cm, and seated along the front of the platform. Each figure is highly individualized in posture, expression, and dress. Ranged behind these larger figures are smaller Arhat figures, all around 50 cm. They are set in a variety of backgrounds, such as mountains, palaces, colorful clouds, or featured in the retinue of the Three Great Bodhisattvas; Samantabhadra, Avalokitesvara, and Manjusri. Some figures are depicted as solitaries, others are in groups that converse among themselves or otherwise interact. The names of their donors are carved on the outer garment worn by each Arhat.