Description: A rare and important Qing dynasty soapstone statue of an "Budda-face" Arhat called Svaka (one of the group of 500 arhats (Wubai Luohan), monk disciples of Shayamuni Buddha, called Luohan in China, their cult was greatly enhanced by Qian Long Emperor of Qing); The statue is very well hand carved with much detail and feeling; the monk sits on a finely carved black scholar rock throne and his is pulling the skin of his face apart to reveal a face of original purity that is buddha, hidden inside-it is a famous and well known Buddhist metaphor for Tathagata Garbha or Buddha Nature which is inherent in all beings; a scholar-rock carved perfect stand, rare artistry; The statue is very well hand carved with much detail and feeling; the monk sits on a finely carved black scholar rock throne and his is pulling the skin of his face apart to reveal a face of original purity that is buddha, hidden inside-it is a famous and well known Buddhist metaphor for Tathagata Garbha or Buddha Nature which is inherent in all beings; a scholar-rock carved perfect stand, rare artistry;