Luohan
Figure of Luohan
1300-1400 (made)
1300-1400 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
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.
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.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Luohan (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Carved and painted wood |
| Brief description | Figure of Luohan, carved and painted wood, China, 1300-1400 |
| 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. |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label |
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| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | 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. |
| Bibliographic reference | Baker, Malcolm, and Brenda Richardson (eds.), A Grand Design: The Art of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London: V&A Publications, 1999.
Orientations; vol. 40. no. 4; May 2009; The Robert H.N. Ho Family Foundation Gallery, Victoria & Albert Museum. Lukas Nickel; Faith and Beauty. Chinese Buddhist Sculpture in the Victoria and Albert Museum, p. 56 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.29-1931 |
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| Record created | October 28, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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