East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 19th century CE. A handsome hand carved wooden architectural panel with an openwork scene depicting a flying Lohan (Arhat). He holds a strand with coins of fortune, and a fly whisk or fan in the other hand. He appears to take flight under the boughs of a leafy tree, with a lizard-like creature, perhaps a dragon, jumping at his heels. 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. These figures are known for possessing immense wisdom and have become known as the guardian angels of Buddhist temples. The verso is incised to depict the back of the figure surrounded by clouds of the celestial realms, suggesting this Lohan was hung and visible from both sides, likely as a temple entrance guardian. Size: 15" L x 2.6" W x 24" H (38.1 cm x 6.6 cm x 61 cm); 25.75" H (65.4 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-M. Kobiashi collection, Hawaii USA, 1960-2000
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#161521
Condition
Stable pressure fissures across front and back side. Chips to high pointed areas, and chips to lower right side of base area. Intricate details and nice patina!