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Lot Essay
Luohans, also known as Arhat in Sanskrit, were followers of the historical Buddha who have attained enlightenment but remained on earth to manifest their faith. They are usually depicted as middle-aged or elderly monks with shaven heads wearing heavy robes, without Vajrayana ornamentation. In early depictions, they are usually shown with Western features, but by the 11th-12th centuries they are more frequently portrayed as ethnically Chinese.Kalika is the fourth Arhat from the set of the Sixteen Arhats, and is identified by the earring held in his hands.
The present thangka demonstrates the Tibetan adaptation of Chinese Luohan thangka genre, which first became popular during the 15th century. Compare to an imperial thangka from the Yongle period of the same genre with a very similar composition, in the Robert Rosenkranz Collection, New York, illustrated in Paradise and Plumage: Chinese Connections in Tibetan Arhat Painting, New York, 2004, p. 56-59; and a Yongle-marked imperial thangka depicting Luohan Chudapanthaka, sold at Sotheby’s New York, 21 September 2007, lot 33 (fig. 1).
The present thangka demonstrates the Tibetan adaptation of Chinese Luohan thangka genre, which first became popular during the 15th century. Compare to an imperial thangka from the Yongle period of the same genre with a very similar composition, in the Robert Rosenkranz Collection, New York, illustrated in Paradise and Plumage: Chinese Connections in Tibetan Arhat Painting, New York, 2004, p. 56-59; and a Yongle-marked imperial thangka depicting Luohan Chudapanthaka, sold at Sotheby’s New York, 21 September 2007, lot 33 (fig. 1).