18TH CENTURY

Details

A FINELY CARVED SOAPSTONE FIGURE OF A LUOHAN
18TH CENTURY
The luohan shown seated on a separate base elaborately carved as a straw mat surrounded by a border of lotus scroll, raised on a network of simulated rockwork, with left hand resting on the raised right knee, also supporting the right arm in which he holds a tool to scratch his ear, the details of the face, moustache and beard finely rendered beneath the loosely draped cowl, the long, flowing robes incised and gilded with a lotus scroll on a wave ground
4 in. (10.2 cm.) high

Provenance

Acquired in 1973.

Lot Essay

This luohan has been identified as Nagasena, who in Chinese iconography is traditionally shown scratching or cleaning his ear. According to the Milindapanha, the young Nagasena was instructed by Rohana and Assagutta before becoming the disciple of Dharmarakshita. Nagasena, who eventually headed the Sangha in the Sankheyya monastery, is known for his debate with King Menandros. According to the Milindapanha, Menandros asked Nagasena three hundred and four different questions and the latter's eloquent and erudite answers convinced the king to accept the Teachings of Buddha in their entirety.

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