Arhat (Kiyataka Hasha Sonja)

Maker(s)
Artist: Ryōzen (ca. 1328-ca. 1360)
Historical period(s)
Muromachi period, mid-14th century
Medium
Ink and color on silk
Dimensions
H x W (image): 115.3 × 59.9 cm (45 3/8 × 23 9/16 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
Gift of Charles Lang Freer
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F1904.296
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Painting
Type

Hanging scroll

Keywords
Buddhism, fly whisk, halo, Japan, kakemono, Kanaka-vasta, Muromachi period (1333 - 1573), portrait
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

This painting comes from a set of sixteen that  depicts arhats, disciples who have reached enlightenment through the teachings of the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni. Their facial expressions reflect their superior wisdom and the intensity of their vow to protect the Buddhist law (dharma) after Shakyamuni's death. The arhats are often attended by guardians who have been converted to belief in the Buddha's teachings. At ceremonies held in some Buddhist temples on the fifteenth day of every month, a set of paintings representing each of the sixteen principal arhats was displayed with a central sculpture or painting of Shakyamuni. This hanging scroll comes from such a set that once belonged to the Sanshogokokuzenji, a subtemple of the Tofukuji, a major Zen Buddhist monastery in Kyoto.

Published References
  • Butsuga Ruijyuu. vol. 1, Japan. .
  • The History of Artistic Creation in Japan: Messages from the classics - journey through the secret worlds of art. vol. 16, Japan. .
  • Zaigai hiho [(Japanese Paintings in Western Collections]. 3 vols., Tokyo. vol. 2: pt. II, p. 45.
Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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