Qing Imperial Palace: Screen with the Five Hundred Arhats

CHINA, Beijing; Qing dynasty

This screen was created during the mid-Qing dynasty and was originally in the collection of the imperial palace. The images were carved based on a painting by Chen Juzhong, an artist of the Song dynasty (960–1279).
The screen consists of two ivory reliefs, framed in hardwood supported by a stand. On the front is a depiction of a landscape with mountain ranges, pine trees, floating clouds, and flowing water. Within the landscape, there are pavilions and small bridges, together with the Five Hundred Arhats, depicted either in pairs or in groups. The Arhats have different expressions, carry Dharma instruments, converse, or gaze toward the horizon. The upper register of the screen is inscribed with the Praise of Arhats, a calligraphy work by Emperor Qianlong (reigned 1736–1795) of the Qing dynasty. The back of the screen has a depiction of roaring waves against a golden sky.