An Arhat, a Buddhist Saint

An Arhat, a Buddhist Saint

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

An arhat (“venerable”) holds the highest rank in the Buddhist hierarchy, immediately below a Buddha. This bearded saint is seated in a yogic posture and holds an opened handscroll, as if preaching. This sculpture has a startling naturalism, suggestive of a portrait from life.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

An Arhat, a Buddhist SaintAn Arhat, a Buddhist SaintAn Arhat, a Buddhist SaintAn Arhat, a Buddhist SaintAn Arhat, a Buddhist Saint

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.