Cleveland Museum of Art

Lohan (Arhat) Holding a Fu Dog

Date

1662–1722

Medium

porcelain with famille verte overglaze enamel decoration

Culture

China, Jiangxi province, Jingdezhen kilns, Qing dynasty (1644-1911), Kangxi reign (1662-1722)

Department

Chinese Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

Lohan are disciples of Buddha with supernatural powers and eccentric behaviors. This lohan is holding the fu-dog, symbolizing good luck, while its mate is holding the peach of longevity ( shoutao ). With carefree smiles and playful gestures, these two figures embody a humorous attitude and a detachment from worldly affairs. This pair of porcelain figures was perhaps part of a house altar set or a decorative item in a household. This lohan and its pair embody a humorous attitude and playful behavior, indifference to danger and miracles, and hence a detachment from worldly affairs.

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