The Arhat Bhadra (Primary Title)
Thanka (Object Name)
Unknown (Artist)
The heroic role model in early Buddhism is the arhat, a saintlike elder who has attained nirvana, becoming, literally, “blown out” like a candle, with the false idea of an independent, substantial self extinguished. Arhats continued to be venerated in later forms of Buddhism, especially in China, and aspects of this painting speak to the Chinese influence on Tibetan art. The embroidered silks framing it are pieces of a Chinese imperial dragon robe originally made for an emperor of the Ming or Qing dynasty. Flanked by attendants, Arhat Bhadra sits on an elaborate throne and makes the teaching gesture with his right hand. He appears again in the distance on the left, meditating in a snowy cave, while deities and parasol bearers float above.
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