Seated Figure of an Arhat (luohan), Ming dynasty, late 14th–15th century. Bronze with gilding and traces of pigment, 50.8 x 30.5 x 32.5 cm. Saint Louis Art Museum, Gift of Robert E. Kresko, 3:2005.

Crowned with a diadem and holding a scroll of the Buddhist Law, this Buddha is shown gaunt and emaciated. His beard and curly hair are references to his South Asian origins and to the unkept, ascetic life that he once led. In 14th century Mongol-controlled China, a particular sect of worshippers followed Buddha’s example and lived a disciplined life to “shake off” earthly passion and desire. Members of the sect held images such as this sacred to their practices and beliefs.