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Arhat
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Arhat
CHINA; Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279); Attributed to Li Song; Ink and color on silk; 104 x 49.5 cm; National Palace Museum, Taipei, Taiwan
This painting is attributed to Li Song of the Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279), a native of Qiantang (present day Hangzhou, Zhejiang) who served as a court painter to Emperor Guangzong (reigned 1189-1194), Emperor Ningzong (reigned 1194-1224), and Emperor Lizong (reigned 1224-1264).
This painting portrays an aged Arhat seated on a meditation bed, holding a bamboo staff. Although his body appears weak, his eyes are bright, and gaze off into the distance. An incense table is placed on the left beside the Arhat. Rocks and trees are painted in the background, including a weeping willow with dense foliage. Below the Arhat, there are two attendants. One stands and appears to prepare incense, while the other kneels down and strings flowers onto a garland. |
