An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Arhat1235
An arhat (Nahan in Korean), an advanced disciple of the Buddha, is represented here in profile with a halo encircling his head. This particular arhat is Segongyang jonja, numbered as the 464th of 500 arhats. He sits on a woven bamboo stool, is luring a dragon into an alms bowl. This hanging scroll is one of only about ten known works that survive today, all of which (except for Cleveland’s piece) are currently preserved in Korea or Japan.
This painting that depicts an <em>arhat</em>, a human being who has achieved enlightenment, used to be part of a set of 500 hanging scrolls.
Hanging scroll; ink and slight color on silk
Image: 52.7 x 40.6 cm (20 3/4 x 16 in.); Overall: 140 x 54.1 cm (55 1/8 x 21 5/16 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
In a serene corner of the world, where the whispers of the past blend seamlessly with the present, there resides a representation of an arhat, known as Nahan in Korea. This is no ordinary depiction; rather, it showcases an advanced disciple of the Buddha, emanating a quiet strength and grace. In delicate strokes, the artist has portrayed him in profile, his head crowned with a soft halo, a symbol of enlightenment that radiates calmness.
This particular arhat is Segongyang jonja, the 464th among a revered gathering of 500 arhats. He finds repose upon a woven bamboo stool, an image steeped in tranquility, his posture exuding both wisdom and humility. Engaging with the natural world, he delicately lures a dragon into an alms bowl, a gesture both enchanting and profound. This scene is not merely a tableau; it speaks to the harmonious connection between the spiritual and the earthly, evoking a sense of wonder that transcends time.
This beautiful hanging scroll is one of only about ten known works that have gracefully survived the tides of history. Most of these treasures are ensconced in the cultural heartlands of Korea and Japan, each piece a silent witness to generations of devotion and artistry. However, there stands out this singular piece in Cleveland, a rare gem that invites viewers into a deeper contemplation of existence and enlightenment. In its presence, one cannot help but feel a gentle pull towards peace, an invitation to step into the serene world of the arhat and his divine journey.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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