East Asia, China, Song Dynasty, ca. 960 to 1270 CE. Hand-carved from a large piece of grey stone, an exceptional, life-size head of the Lohan or Arhat - one of Buddha's original followers - known as Asita or "Long Eyebrow Lohan," presenting a tranquil, meditative countenance, a high collar, and elongated ears, all enveloped in traces of white, red, and black, pigments. Rendered in remarkable realism, the sculpture displays slender eyes, arched brows that extend down the sides of the face, a broad nose, and fleshy, gently-parted lips held in a gentle smile. Note the careful detail with which the artist has depicted the fleshy folds of the forehead, puffy surroundings of the eyes, radiating crow's feet, and charming dimples, all imbuing the figure with a lifelike vibrancy! Size: 7" W x 10.2" H (17.8 cm x 25.9 cm); 16.6" H (42.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Lohan, also called Arhat, means a Buddhist ascetic; the word is a transliteration of Sanskrit and came from India. Paintings and sculptures of Lohan figures emerged during the Tang Dynasty (618 to 907 CE) and became popular - and refined - during the Song. Stone sculptures like this one were made to adorn huge Buddhist cave temples cut out of the mountains of northern and central China. Lohans are known for possessing immense wisdom, fortitude, bravery in the face of evil, and supernatural powers. They have become known as the guardian angels of Buddhist temples. In Mahayana Buddhism, Arhats (or Lohans in Chinese) were understood as the original followers of Buddha who followed the Eightfold Path and attained the Four Stages of Enlightenment and deliverance from mere earthly existence. Arhats have successfully arrived at what is known as the 'other shore' and are at peace for all eternity. Gone are all 'asavas' or desires for sensual pleasure, incorrect viewpoints, and ignorance. In other Buddhist traditions the term has been used for people far advanced along the path of Enlightenment but who have not reached full Buddhahood. A striking example of this revered spiritual being.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, 1995 to 2010; ex-M. Kobiashi collection, Hawaii, USA, acquired from 1950 to 2000

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#172801

Fragment of a larger piece. Chipping to ears, nose, left cheek, and lip. Expected surface wear with some nick and abrasions to areas. Otherwise, excellent with liberal remaining pigments.