Seated+Luohan+(Arhat)+in+a+Grotto


 * Seated Luohan (Arhat) in a Grotto**




 * Artwork Identification.**
 * Title: Seated Luohan (Arhat) in a Grotto
 * Artist(s): unknown
 * Date: 18th–19th century
 * Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
 * Country of Origin: China
 * Cultural/Ethnic Affiliation: Buddism
 * Medium: Lapis lazuli
 * Dimensions: H. 7 1/8 in. (18.1 cm); W. 10 in. (25.4 cm)
 * Museum/Collection: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
 * Accession Number: 02.18.917
 * Current Location and Manner of Display: unknown
 * Provenance: unknown

A sculpture depicting a Luohan seated in a [|grotto]. The Luohan is one of the eighteen Luohans of Mahayana Buddhism, most likely based off of the portraits done by the monk Guan Xiu.
 * Introduction.**

This artwork has been sculpted out of lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone prized for its intense blue color. The central figure, a Seated Luohan, is dressed in robes that don't show the form underneath. Rather, simple lines are carved to show folds in the fabric. The Luohan appears to be holding a string of prayer beads in his of his right hand. His right arm is bent at the elbow, his hand raised to hover in front of the center of his chest. He doesn't appear to be forming a mudra. However, he does have elongated ears and the sunken facial features of an old man with no hair on his head. To his left is a tree with no leaves on its angular branches. To his right, on a lower level rock than the one on which he is seated, is an old woman who is also seated, looking up towards him. She appears to be holding a small staff of some kind.
 * Descriptive Analysis**.

Other works titled Seated Luohan (Arhat) in a Grotto that also date back to the Qing dynasty...

In Mahayana Buddhism, Arhat refers to an individual who was an original follower of Gautama Buddha. While the number of Arhats varies depending on the country, in China there are said to have been eighteen. These Arhats, known as Luohan (羅漢, excellence) in China, have followed The Noble Eightfold Path and attained The Four Noble Truths, meaning they have reached a state of Nirvana. They were instructed to remain on Earth for the coming of Maitreya while protecting the Buddhist faith. (cite sources of information)
 * Formal and Contextual Analysis**.

The first portraits of the Luohans were done by the monk Guan Xiu. According to legend, the Luohans showed themselves to Guan Xiu in a dream and requested that he paint their portraits. Those paintings depicted the Louhans as foreigners having bushy eyebrows, large eyes, hanging cheeks and high noses. These portraits have become the standard way of depicting the Luohans.


 * Personal Interpretations**. Coming soon.

Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. "Eighteen Arhats." Wikipedia. Web. 4 Dec. 2010. <[]>
 * References.**