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Arhat from a series of sixteen Arhats

14th century
Not on view
According to Buddhist scripture, arhats (Japanese: rakan) are protectors of the Dharma who also use assorted magical powers to assist the faithful. They were frequently depicted in groups of eight, sixteen, eighteen, twenty-eight, or five hundred. The arhats pictured were originally part of a group of sixteen (of which only seven are extant) once owned by Hokokuji, a temple on the island of Shikoku. Each arhat in the set is identified by a cartouche at the upper right or left.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 羅漢図（十六羅漢図の内）
  • Title: Arhat from a series of sixteen Arhats
  • Period: Nanbokuchō period (1336–92)
  • Date: 14th century
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk
  • Dimensions: Image: 45 7/8 x 19 3/8 in. (116.5 x 49.2 cm)
    Overall with mounting: 75 3/4 x 25 3/8 in. (192.4 x 64.5 cm)
    Overall with knobs: 75 3/4 x 27 1/8 in. (192.4 x 68.9 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: The Harry G. C. Packard Collection of Asian Art, Gift of Harry G. C. Packard, and Purchase, Fletcher, Rogers, Harris Brisbane Dick, and Louis V. Bell Funds, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, and The Annenberg Fund Inc. Gift, 1975
  • Object Number: 1975.268.24
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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