A PAINTING OF FOUR SEATED LUOHANS

Details

A PAINTING OF FOUR SEATED LUOHANS
17TH/18TH CENTURY

The figures seated in a landscape scene against sea and clouds background, each deity garbed in monk's robe and emanating a nimbus, the first luohan seated beside a rocky cliff holding a long string threaded with large beads, his attendant holding a fan of peacock feathers, the second figure, being offered a kundika bottle, the third, seated in vajrasana on broad leaves above a rockwork base, and the fourth with eyes downcast looking at a figure of Samvara standing on a green beast and dancing with his partner, the painting on paper mounted with elaborately embroidered silk border (paper age cracks)
16 7/8 in. x 26 in. (43 cm. x 66 cm.) painting, framed and glazed

Lot Essay

The concept of Luohans, also referred to as Arhats, probably originated in Kashmir. They were first mentioned in the Mahayanavataraka which was translated into Chinese in A.D. 437; their names were later identified by the early Tang pilgrim, Xuanzang in A.D. 654. According to this text, luohans were advised by the Buddha to remain in this world to defend the Doctrine and to await the advent of the redeeming Buddha, Maitreya. Traditionally, there were sixteen, of which four are featured in the present lot. Luohans were very popular in Tibetan Buddhism. Prayers and offerings were made to them and they were credited with many miracles.

(US$2,500-3,000)

More from The Imperial Sale & Fine Chinese Works of Art

View All