Pair of Chinese Ming Wooden Lohan Figures

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Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art

By Artemis Fine Arts

May 1, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-05-01 10:00:00 2025-05-01 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-antiquities-asian-ethno-fine-art-19334
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• Lot Description
  East Asia, China, Ming Dynasty, ca. 1368 to 1644 CE. From the mists of the Ming Dynasty arose these two wooden Lohan figures, silent witnesses to centuries past. Fashioned, it seems, by a singular hand, their forms echo each other, whispering tales of shared sanctuary within the hushed halls of a temple long since faded into memory. One, clean-shaven and serene, his hands clasped in a gesture of profound stillness, remains an enigma, perhaps a guardian of wisdom amongst his enlightened brethren. Beside him sits a Lohan bearing the venerable mark of time - a bald pate crowned by a flowing beard, the very visage that history often lends to Bodhidharma, the Indian sage who carried the seeds of Chan across mountains and rivers to take root in Chinese soil. Each figure bears a cavity in its verso, a silent receptacle intended for the placement of prayers and offerings, further underscoring their sacred purpose. Size (both similar): 9.75" L x 12.75" W x 28.25" H (24.8 cm x 32.4 cm x 71.8 cm)
  
  Together, these two souls, imbued with the spirit of devotion and the patina of ages, evoke a sense of ancient sanctity, their stillness a poignant echo of the vibrant faith that once breathed life into their carved forms.
  
  Lohans, also known as Arhats in Sanskrit, are revered figures in Buddhism, particularly within the Mahayana tradition prevalent in China. They are enlightened disciples of the Buddha who have achieved Nirvana, the liberation from the cycle of rebirth, yet choose to remain in the world to protect the Buddhist teachings and guide others on the path to enlightenment. Often depicted in groups of sixteen, eighteen, or even five hundred, Lohans are characterized by their diverse personalities and unique attributes, reflecting the varied paths to enlightenment and the compassionate commitment to aiding all sentient beings. They embody wisdom, perseverance, and the transcendence of worldly desires, serving as powerful symbols of spiritual attainment and the enduring presence of the Buddha's teachings in the world.
  
  Bodhidharma, a pivotal figure in the history of Chan (Zen) Buddhism, is often revered as the First Patriarch of Chan in China. Traditionally believed to be an Indian prince turned monk, he journeyed to China in the 5th or 6th century CE, bringing with him a direct, meditative approach to Buddhist practice. Legend recounts his intense dedication, including nine years of silent meditation facing a wall at the Shaolin Monastery. Bodhidharma's teachings emphasized direct experience and the inherent Buddha-nature within all beings, rather than reliance on scriptures or rituals. He is often depicted with a stern countenance, a full beard, and sometimes carrying a staff or wearing simple robes, embodying the austere and transformative essence of early Chan Buddhism, which profoundly shaped the spiritual landscape of East Asia.
  
  Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection, acquired from 1990 to 2005
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
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  #192627

  Condition

  Missing covers to back cavities. Both have some stable fissures to wood plus chipping, nicks, and abrasions as shown. Fading and Losses to pigment. Otherwise, nice presentation with good detail and rich patina to wood.
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