Luohan with a lion cub
Enlightened Buddhist disciples are known in China as “luohan” (arhat in Sanskrit), and they have been an important subject in Chinese art since the tenth century. They are often depicted in groups of sixteen, eighteen, and even five hundred figures. This rock-crystal figure can be identified as Vijraputra, who is often shown playing with a lion cub. Here, the lively cub and meditating luohan illustrate the coexistence of joy and peace.
Artwork Details
- 清 水晶雕笑獅羅漢
- Title: Luohan with a lion cub
- Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
- Date: 18th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Rock crystal
- Dimensions: H. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm)
- Classification: Hardstone
- Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
- Object Number: 2015.500.5.25
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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China
18th century
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17th century
Tibet or Mongolia
17th century
China
17th century
China
1641
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