Arhat

CHINA; Ming dynasty

The Arhat is seated in the royal ease posture and crowned with a headband that sits on a fringe of curly hair. The face is composed, seemingly absorbed in the joy of deep meditation after a long period of ascetic practice. The figure has elongated ears. Facial hair includes bushy eyebrows, a mustache, and a beard. The necklace is sculpted in the same fashion as the headband. The monastic robe is opened at the front to reveal an emaciated chest. A sutra scroll is held with both hands. The statue was originally gilded and painted but now, the only traces of paint remaining are the red on the lips and the blue on the hair.
The simplistic hair band was created during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) and is often seen on Avalokitesvara and Manjusri. The blue of the hair is usually attributed to Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and not Arhats.