Lot 78A
East Asia, Southern China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 1920 CE. A finely carved mahogany wood Lohan or Arhat with nice traces of a polychrome finish, standing upon a lotus pedestal with hands in a prayerful gesture, wearing a flowing monk's robe. His tranquil visage presents a wrinkled forehead and laugh lines, lips turned up at corners to form an infectious smile, downcast almond-shaped eyes, and well formed elongated earlobes - common in most depictions of Buddha and the Arhats. In Mahayana Buddhism, Arhats (or Lohans in Chinese) were understood as the original followers of Buddha who followed the Eightfold Path and attained the Four Stages of Enlightenment and deliverance from mere earthly existence. Arhats have successfully arrived at what is known as the 'other shore' and are at peace for all eternity. Gone are all 'asavas' or desires for sensual pleasure, incorrect viewpoints, and ignorance. Size: 12.5" W x 40.5" H (31.8 cm x 102.9 cm)
Lohans are known for possessing immense wisdom, fortitude, bravery in the face of evil, and supernatural powers. They have become known as the guardian angels of Buddhist temples. In Theravada Buddhist traditions an Arhat is regarded as a 'perfected person' who has attained Nirvana. In other Buddhist traditions the term has been used for people far advanced along the path of Enlightenment but who have not reached full Buddhahood. A striking example of this revered spiritual being.
According to legend, the Buddhist monk Guan Xiu who was highly skilled in painting, calligraphy, and poetry painted the first portraits of the 18 Lohans in 891 CE. The Lohans appeared to Guan Xiu in a dream, selecting him to paint their portraits because of his refined skills. Ever since, artists - sculptors, painters, and ceramicists - have aimed to bring these mythical beings to life in their respective mediums.
Provenance: private Boulder, Colorado, USA collection acquired at Indochine Gallery
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#128579
- Condition: Pedestal repaired - one large piece reattached with losses to break lines. Surface wear with pigment loss. Nice craquelure throughout. Extensive mineral deposits. Expected age cracks. Export seal on left shoulder reads "SACH" (State Administration of Cultural Heritage).
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