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Hoping someone may know who this man is and a possible age from the portrait, frame, clothing etc. Thanks to all for your help...

Appears to be a picture of a robed Buddhist monk and perhaps late 19th-early 20th century. The individual isn't particularly identifiable by nationality. The surface texture suggests silk or another textile and not a tintype. Could it be a realistic painting? Others may have better answers.

Best regards,

Bill H,

Hey Bill, this is a realistic painting on silk however I am not sure if this could be a monk type or of a more ancient Chinese man. I have tried to research the clothing but nothing so far.
I do know that that ancient Chinese had a belief that each part of the ear had a different meaning and that the ear could decide their longevity and prosperity.... A picture relating that belief is attached.
Really appreciated your quick reply Bill... Many thanks & have a good one ...

Its carved lotus frame is more indicative that the image is of an ancestor who served honorably in the monkhood. As is described in your above attachment, parts of the body were labeled in China with a long list of attributes that came to govern medical and spiritual tenets and guided such procedures as acupuncture, moxibustion and inborn life characteristics. The long ears on the monk are more likely to be an artistic exaggeration designed to indicate the monk's extraordinary degree of devotion to the Buddha and consequent honor showered on subsequent generations of his family.

Best regards,

Bill H.

Your mention of the hand carved lotus frame is something I have researched but have been unable to find anything like this one to compare to for age.

" who served honorably in the monkhood " Bill your reference to monkhood and their devotion to Buddha is one I did not think of but now will pursue this path as I think you nailed it.

Thanks again & have a good one .....

Hey Bill ... Found it thanks to you with the monk comments. It is a painting of "Luohan" .. Luohans, also known as arhats, are accomplished Buddhist disciples.

The frame is from the period of 1870 - 1890.

Thanks again Bill & have a good one .....

Luohan’s are certainly accomplished, as they have already attained enlightenment after spending eons in transition. Even the most accomplished monks can’t expect to do that in a short human lifetime. Luohans are so holy, a true believer would hardly put their image in less than a gilded frame. Also, the Luohans have individual attributes with which they are identified, such as ’Tiger Tamer’, ‘Dragon Tamer’, etc. As such , identifying the image in your frame as one will be impossible. All of them have elongated ears.

Good luck,

Bill H.

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