Head sculpture of "luohan", Sung Dynasty (960 -1279)
Description
wood, polychrome traces, base
This “Luohan” has strong features, underscored by vigorous incisions. The eyes with drilled pupils under lowered lids are evidence of mystical bliss.
The sculptor knew how to use the veins of the wood to advantage. The knot was left deliberately in the middle of the forehead to imitate a deformation of the head characteristic of Buddha (“the third eye”).
Originally, the word “Luohan” referred to a person who had reached the highest level of enlightenment. Later it was transferred to the important disciples of the Buddha as well as famous Buddhist personalities. In China, one originally knew 16 “Luohan” who were given the task of carrying the teachings of the Buddha to all parts of the world and keeping watch over them in secret.
In the folk tradition, the “Luohan” transformed into figures that
were ascribed supernatural abilities like the Daoist “immortals” and who were considered to be the helpers of the past.