Luohan with a lion cub

China

Not on view

Enlightened Buddhist disciples are known in China as “luohan” (arhat in Sanskrit), and they have been an important subject in Chinese art since the tenth century. They are often depicted in groups of sixteen, eighteen, and even five hundred figures. This rock-crystal figure can be identified as Vijraputra, who is often shown playing with a lion cub. Here, the lively cub and meditating luohan illustrate the coexistence of joy and peace.

Luohan with a lion cub, Rock crystal, China

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