CHINE, DYNASTIE QING, EPOQUE QIANLONG-JIAQING (1736-1820)

Luohan, also known as Arhat in Sanskrit, were followers of the historical Buddha who have attained enlightenment but remained on earth to manifest their faith. They are usually depicted as middle-aged or elderly monks with shaven heads wearing heavy robes, without Vajrayana ornamentation. In early depictions, they are usually shown with Western features, but by the 11th-12th centuries they are more frequently portrayed as ethnically Chinese such as in this present bowl.