清乾隆/嘉慶 粉彩羅漢圖蓮花大碗

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.