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Subject:Is this a Luohan statue?
Posted By: mp.kunst Fri, Apr 15, 2022 IP: 145.131.142.110

Recently I purchased a statue of which does look a lot like something Asian.

The statue is 37cm high.

I got information that this figure is a luohan (arhat),
Could this be Xianglong Luohan also known as the Taming Dragon Arhat and one of the Eighteen Arhats in China or is this Ji Gong also known as "Chan Master Daoji" who was a Chan Buddhist monk?

If there's anyone out there who knows more, let me know.








Subject:Re: Is this a Luohan statue?
Posted By: Bill H Fri, Apr 15, 2022

Possibly an image of Jigong Huofo (濟公活佛 - 1133-1209), aka Daoji (道濟), a Song Dynasty master of Zen Buddhism and Avatar of the Dragon-Taming Arhat (Xianglong Luohan - 降龍羅漢). He also is known as the "Drunken Monk" or "Mad Monk" and usually, but not always, is shown wearing a hat in that form. See link for a novel containing his legends and another image of him with the hat:

https://terebess.hu/zen/mesterek/Jigong.html

Best regards,

Bill H.




URL Title :Drunken Monk Jigong


Subject:Re: Is this a Luohan statue?
Posted By: mp.kunst Sat, Apr 16, 2022

Thank you for your reply. Your answer give me the confirmation I was on the right track.
Is it possible to give an age to this statue?

Subject:Re: Is this a Luohan statue?
Posted By: Bill H Sun, Apr 17, 2022

Possibly early 19th century, but the age is difficult to judge through the dirt and without a view of the base to help determine the nature of the molding; i.e., slip cast or hand molded. However, here are views of minyao (popular kiln) Guanyin and Budai Heshang images that I believe are either transitional or early 18th century for your comparison of enamel colors and molding techniques.

Best regards,

Bill H.







Subject:Re: Is this a Luohan statue?
Posted By: mp.kunst Tue, Apr 19, 2022

Thank you for your answers.
I'll post extra photos including 1 of the base and bottom







Subject:Re: Is this a Luohan statue?
Posted By: Bill H Wed, Apr 20, 2022

From the base, it certainly appears to have been molded using pre 20th century methods. Perhaps early 18th century?

Best regards

Bill H.

Subject:Re: Is this a Luohan statue?
Posted By: mp.kunst Thu, Apr 21, 2022

Great information. I am impressed with your knowledge. My purchase turned out to be an original statue with age that I will enjoy looking at for years to come. Thank you!!!!


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