in crevices under the robe and skirt, consistent with Tang and Tang-style paintings. In a photo from the 1920s, the robe still has large patches of what is most likely the original surface. They show designs of lotus, chrysanthemums and a vine pattern. Unfortunately, poor cleaning has left few traces of the original pattern. The statue was acquired in 1922 for $750 Canadian dollars. It was paid to the Chinese in Mexican silver, due to the lack of trust the Chinese had for paper money. The statue originates from a temple at Yang Ku Hsien (Yangqu Xian, near Taiyuan). This statue has appeared at Expo 67 in Montreal and the Nara National Museum exhibition "Sources of Japanese Buddhist Art" in 1978 before coming to its permanent home at the museum. It is regarded as the ROM's finest Chinese Buddhist sculptures. References Collections of the Royal Ontario Museum Tang dynasty art Marble sculptures Chinese sculpture Buddhist sculpture Arhats