Himalayan Art Resources

Arhat: Standing Figures

Sthavira/Arhat Main Page

Subjects, Topics & Types:
- Elder: Standing Figures Description (below)
- Shariputra
- Maudgalyayana
- Ananda
- Mahakashyapa
- Subhuti
- Sthavira
- Arhat
- Patriarch
- Arhat Set (Standing)
- Ringing Staff (Khakkhara)
- Masterworks
- Confusions
- Others...

Many of these standing arhats are likely to be depictions of Shariputra and Maudgalyayana and belong to a larger composition depicting Shakyamuni Buddha and the Sixteen Arhats, Four Guardian Kings and the Two Attendants. In Chinese Buddhism there is a tradition of depicting up to 500 arhats and some of these pieces may belong to that system.

Jeff Watt [updated 9-2015]