I​l​l​u​s​t​r​a​t​e​d​ ​P​r​a​i​s​e​s​ ​o​f​ ​t​h​e​ ​S​i​x​t​e​e​n​ ​A​r​h​a​t​s

The cult of the Sixteen Arhats originates from the tradition that the Buddha entrusted his disciples to remain in the world to protect the Dharma, and it long remained popular in both Chinese and Tibetan Buddhist imagery. Illustrated praises of arhats typically present together the venerables’ appearances, held objects, seated postures, landscape backgrounds, and praise verses, expressing the meanings of protecting the true Dharma, subduing afflictions, and manifesting supernatural powers. This work is identified as an imperial mud-gold painted edition from the Qianlong period of the Qing dynasty, indicating its connection with Qing palace Buddhist art, court decoration, and the context of imperial collections. It is suitable for observing the refinement, ornamentation, and devotional functions of arhat imagery within the Qing court.