Lot 19A
19th C. Chinese Qing Painted Wood Seated Luohan / Arhat
19th C. Chinese Qing Painted Wood Seated Luohan / Arhat
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East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. late 19th century CE. A magnificent wooden sculpture of a Luohan (Arhat), one of the revered 18 original disciples of Gautama Buddha, embodying wisdom and enlightenment. This masterfully crafted figure is adorned in rich, time-worn pigments over a gesso base, enhancing its striking presence. Seated in a meditative yet dynamic posture, one foot rests atop the opposite knee while the other leg hangs gracefully downward. With his right hand raised in a sacred mudra of blessing, he exudes a serene authority. His finely carved featuresarched brows, gently downcast eyes, a broad nose, and thin lips forming a tranquil smileare framed by a closely cropped coiffure. Draped in flowing green and red robes, he sits regally atop a black-painted throne, an enduring symbol of spiritual devotion and artistry. Size: 6.6" L x 10.3" W x 20.5" H (16.8 cm x 26.2 cm x 52.1 cm); 22.8" H (57.9 cm) on included custom stand.
Luohans were commanded by Buddha to await the coming of Maitreya, the Future Buddha. This promise of salvation held great appeal to Chinese Buddhists during this time, for they had just been through a period of great persecution, and a cult built around the Luohans as guardians was gaining momentum. Luohans had escaped the endless cycle of death and rebirth in Buddhist teachings. They chose to remain in this world to spread the Buddha's message. This sculpture and many like it would have adorned the great Buddhist cave temples, hewn from the mountains of Northern and Central China. These caves were vandalized at various periods so many sculptures only survive as fragments.
Cf. Metropolitan Museum of Art, object number 2008.67.
Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection, acquired from 1990 - 2005
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#192382
- Condition: Fingers of proper right hand have been professionally reattached with break line visible. Chips, nicks and abrasions as shown, as well as some stable fissures in areas. Otherwise, nice presentation with good remaining pigments and gesso.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
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| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |