Lot 169, Auction 4/3/2026: Large Chinese Ming Painted Wood Head of a Lohan

$1,170.00

In stock

East Asia, China, Ming Dynasty, ca. 1368 to 1644 CE. A rare fragment of a colossal lohan statue, this massive head emanates an extraordinary presence, a serene aura of spirituality. Likely carved separately from a different piece of wood, it was once part of a larger, composite image. Its features are meticulously rendered, adhering to strict canons for depicting enlightened beings. Ancient texts guided artisans to imbue such figures with profound spiritual power, inspiring devotion. These texts standardized beauty, symbolism, and iconography, ensuring each deity was readily identifiable. Artists were instructed to depict specific proportions and characteristics, often mirroring forms in nature. Following these precepts, the pivotal eyes are shaped like lotus petals, half-closed in meditative repose. Defined eyebrows arch like elegant bows. The deeply molded mouth bears a faint, slightly parted smile, revealing teeth and tongue. _x000D_
Size: 9″ L x 8.3″ W x 14″ H (22.9 cm x 21.1 cm x 35.6 cm); 16″ H (40.6 cm) on included custom stand.

This smile suggests enlightenment, while the open mouth hints at a readiness to share this truth. The lohan’s pendulous earlobes mark him as enlightened, a trait linked to Sakyamuni Buddha’s elongated lobes from his princely past adorned with heavy earrings. In China, this association extended to lohans, further reinforced by an indigenous belief from the Eastern Han dynasty that large ears signified a sage, whose wisdom was connected to keen hearing, a concept echoed in the homonymy of “sage” (sheng) and “sound.” This lohan’s face reflects strict monastic discipline, emphasizing an inherent power and authority. It signifies his endowment with three insights: into past lives, future mortal conditions, and present suffering with the potential for liberation from all passions.

Lohans, revered figures in Buddhism, are enlightened disciples of the Buddha who have attained nirvana and are free from the cycle of rebirth. Often depicted with distinctive, sometimes exaggerated features, they embody spiritual discipline, wisdom, and the potential for liberation. As guardians of the Buddhist teachings and sources of blessing, lohans occupy a significant place in Buddhist art and practice, serving as inspiring examples of the path to enlightenment for devotees.

Condition: Fragment of a larger piece with some fissures to base and chipping to base and nose. Areas of old, inactive insect damage, some cracking to paint, and bore hole on proper right side of neck. Repainting in areas and weathering to surface as shown. Otherwise, very nice with liberal remaining pigments and good detail. Light patina throughout.

Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection, acquired from 1990 – 2005

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