East Asia, China, Tang Dynasty to Song Dynasty, ca. 618 to 1270 CE. A remarkable life-sized Lohan head hand-carved from a warm-gray sandstone. The bald head and rounded features are superb, and the remains of a high collar from his clothing is visible around his neck. The long ears droop downwards, having previously been stretched by heavy earrings - indicating renunciation of material wealth- characteristic in most depictions of Buddha and the Lohans. A nearly indiscernible but raised third eye is centered on his brow above the tranquil, meditative countenance. 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. Size: 7.5" L x 8" W x 10" H (19 cm x 20.3 cm x 25.4 cm); 14" H (35.6 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 Theravada Buddhist traditions an Arhat is regarded as a 'perfected person' who has attained Nirvana. 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: ex-John Hurter collection, Palm Springs, California, USA, purchased in Egypt in the mid-1980s and imported into the US prior to 1995

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#178946

Fragment from a larger piece as shown. Abrasions and chips to surface, but otherwise intact. Facial features are sharp and intact. Light mineral deposits in recessed areas.