A wooden figure of a Lohan, seated with his legs crossed, which are drawn up towards the chest. His head is turned sideways, his hands are clasped together in front of him and his arms embrace the left knee. He wears an elaborately draped, double layered robe, the lower part of which falls into elaborate folds. His feet are shod in shoes with upturned noses. The head has a powerful expression, with pronounced lips, strong nose, long-lobed ears and bulging eyes, the pupils of which are inlaid in glass. The figure is covered in a coat of lacquer, which has been applied to a layer of thin canvas. This decoration has partly worn away, particularly on the face and hands.

This imposing wooden figure probably depicts one of the 18 Lohans or Arhats, the personal disciples of Buddha, characterised by their eccentricity and supernatural powers. A Lohan or Arhat is the disciple who has passed the different stages of the Noble Path, who has conquered all passions and is not to be reborn. The naturalistic trend initiated by the Song dynasty sculptors continued into the Ming dynasty, as is evident from the lively pose and animated, expressive face of this Lohan. A small gilt bronze sculpture of a seated Lohan, formerly in the Sedgwick collection, displays a similar relaxed pose.2

1 - Williams, C.A.S. Outlines of Chinese Symbolism and Art Motives, Shanghai 1941, p. 160
2 - Jenyns, R. S. and Watson, W. Chinese Art, Vol. II, Oldbourne Press, London, plate 45, p.81