Bronze fire giltTibet or China, 18th centuryDimensions: Height 11 cmWeight: 812 grams An Arhat, or Luohan in Chinese, is a disciple of Buddhism who has achieved true enlightment, but not the higher stage of Nirvana. This Luohan is seated with one leg tucked in, the other bent with the left hand holding a brush resting on the knee. The surface he is seated on is round and has incised ornamental patterns. In the right hand resting on the leg he is holding a rectangular object, probably a Buddhist script. He is dressed in a wide garment with ornamental brim fastened around the waist with a bow, a patterned scarf around the shoulders. The chest is adorned with beaded jewellery with turquoise stone inlay. The face is calm and friendly, with black curly hair at the back and a goat beard.