Figure of luohan
- Place of origin:
- Date:
- Artist/Maker:
- Materials and Techniques:
- Credit Line:
[NB purchased by Museum so no credit necessary]
- Museum number:
- Gallery location:
Buddhist Sculpture, room 17, case 2
- Download image
This wooden sculpture represents a Luohan, the name for a monk who acts as a guardian of Buddhism and is believed to have attained enlightenment through merit and virtue. The Luohan was a member of the Buddhist pantheon in China, and the earliest representations can be traced to the 4th century AD. These figures were usually placed in groups near the Buddha in temples and monasteries. Over time, depictions of Luohans evolved from individualized to more formalized portraits. The use of these images was further encouraged by the Chan (Zen) Buddhist sects, which stressed the importance of having a religious teacher and an interaction between master and pupil.
The style of this example suggests that the piece was made in north China where many workshops excelled in carved and painted wooden sculpture.
The appreciation for Chinese sculpture in Europe developed alongside an enthusiasm for earlier Chinese ceramics, and during the 1920s and 1930s the Museum acquired some outstanding examples, including this Luohan.
Physical description
Wooden figure of a Luohan, wearing a large monastic robe, seated on a rock and looking towards the left. He leans upon his left arm which rests on a lotus support. His right leg is raised, the foot placed on the seat, his right arm resting on the knee. Red colour is visible on his back, and there is a large hole in his back.
Place of Origin
China (made)
Date
1300 - 1400 (made)
Artist/maker
unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Carved and painted wood
Dimensions
Height: 98 cm, Width: 82 cm, Depth: 43 cm
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Baker, Malcolm and Richardson, Brenda, eds. A Grand Design : The Art of the Victoria and Albert Museum. London: V&A Publications, 1997. 431 p., ill. ISBN 1851773088.
An appreciation for Chinese sculpture developed with the enthusiasm for earlier Chinese ceramics, and during the 1920s and 1930s the Museum acquired some impressive examples, including this luohan. Sets of luohan were placed in attendance of the Buddha in temples. Their number varied, but a common set comprised eighteen figures. This type of sculpture was encouraged by Buddhist Ch'an (Zen) sects, which stressed the importance of the religious teacher and of the interaction between master and pupil. This sculpture portrays a vigorous, middle-aged Chinese monk in the act of turning to his neighbour. From the style it is thought that the piece comes from one of the northern Chinese provinces that excelled in carved and painted wooden sculpture.
Lit. Nara National Museum, 1981, no. 198; Ayers, 1983, p. 24
ROSE KERR
Exhibition History
Sculpture (Victoria and Albert Museum, Gallery 47e 01/04/2007-30/04/2007)
A Grand Design - The Art of the Victoria and Albert Museum (Victoria and Albert Museum 12/10/1999-16/01/2000)
Labels and date
Figure of a Luohan
1300-1400
China
A luohan is a holy man who acts as a guardian of the Buddhist law and is believed to have attained enlightenment through merit and virtue. In Sanskrit, the international language of Buddhism, he is called an 'arhat'. These figures were usually placed in large groups near the Buddha in temples and monasteries. The posture and leftward gaze of this example suggest that he is in conversation with another luohan. [66 words]
Wood with traces of paint
Museum no. A.29-1931
Figure of an Arhat (luohan)
1271-1368
Yuan dynasty
China
Wood with traces of paint
An arhat, known in China as a luohan, is a holy man who acts as a guardian of the Buddhist law. Placed in groups ranging from four and five through to as many as 500, arhats are usually found near the principal Buddha in the temple. The posture and leftward gaze of this arhat suggest an animated doctrinal debate with a neighbour.
Museum no. A.29-1931 [2009]
Materials
Wood
Techniques
Painted; Carving
Subjects depicted
Monk; Arhat
Categories
Woodwork; Sculpture; Religion; Buddhism
Collection code
EAS
