清 竹雕持履羅漢|Arhat holding a shoe

Unknown

18th–19th century · Bamboo · Asian Art

Although not represented in Indian or Southeast Asian art, luohans (Sanskrit: arhats) play an important role in China, where they appear in both religious painting and sculpture and as a theme in the decorative arts. Originally the disciples of the Historical Buddha Shakyamuni, luohans are understood as protectors of Buddhism and the devout.

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th–19th century

Medium

Bamboo

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1999