Seated Luohan (Disciple of Buddha)

Chinese

British Museum

907 - 1125

This life-sized statue depicts a Luohan (a follower of Buddha gifted with supernatural powers) seated in contemplation. The statue was made in North China, in the Hebei province, from the Liao dynasty, 907 - 1125 AD. The figure wears a green under-robe, and an orange-brown patchwork robe ornamented with half prunus-blossoms in white on yellow. The patchwork robe is a traditional garment donned by monks as a sign of humility. His elongated ears are an indication of his wisdom. The Luohans that survive from this set are so strikingly individualised they have been considered to be portraits of specific monks.

• Medium: Sancai (three coloured) glazed stoneware
• Dimensions: 109 x 82 cm
• Art Fund Grant: £1000 ( Total: £1,480)
• ArtFunded in: 1913
• Vendor: Anonymous

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