Seated Luohan

Seated Luohan

DateSong-Yuan dynasty, 13th century
Mediumwood, gesso, and polychrome
Dimensionsobject: 45 × 33 1/2 × 28 in. (114.3 × 85.1 × 71.1 cm)
ClassificationSCULPTURE
Credit LineSBMA, Gift of Ina T. Campbell
Object number1944.1
Subject(s)
  • figure
  • buddhism, monks
  • Buddhism
  • religion
Collection
  • Asian
Sub-Collection(s)
  • Chinese
On View
On view
Label Text

Luohan are followers of the historical Buddha who have attained some degree of enlightenment.  In China, they were revered as semi-deified, mountain-dwelling ascetics. Unlike bodhisattvas, divine beings dedicated to the salvation of all mankind, luohan are concerned with their personal salvation. For this reason, luohan are usually depicted as humans with unusual characteristics rather than idealized deities.

The dramatic characterization of this luohan with his high-ridged nose, protruding forehead, and long eyebrows and earlobes is a Chinese interpretation of his semi-divine qualities and Indian origin. His downcast eyes and open mouth suggest that he is speaking. His right hand is lowered, possibly to stroke a now missing animal, perhaps a tiger, and his left hand may have held an object such as a staff. It is likely that this luohan was originally part of a set created for the main hall of a Buddhist monastery.


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