East Asia, China, Song Dynasty, 960 to 1270 CE. Hand-carved from a large piece of grey stone, a just under life-size head of a Lohan, his visage presenting a tranquil, meditative countenance and elongated ears, common in most depictions of Buddha and the Arhats - with nice traces of glistening gilding. 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: 6" W x 8.25" H (15.2 cm x 21 cm)

Lohan, also called Arhat, means a Buddhist ascetic; the word is a transliteration of Sanskrit and came from India. Paintings and sculptures of Lohan figures emerged during the Tang Dynasty (618 to 907 CE) and became popular - and refined - during the Song. Stone sculptures like this one were made to adorn huge Buddhist cave temples cut out of the mountains of northern and central China. 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.

Provenance: private St. Louis, Missouri, USA collection; ex private Atlanta, Georgia, USA collection

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#128944

A section from a larger sculpture with small losses to tips of ears and surface wear with gilt losses. Still a mesmerizing piece of Buddhist visual culture.