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Sixteen Arhats
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Sixteen Arhats
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Sixteen Arhats
JAPAN; Heian period (794–1185), 11th century; Ink and color on silk; 95.8 x 53 cm; Tokyo National Museum, Japan
Dating from the 11th century, this is the oldest surviving set of Japanese paintings depicting the Sixteen Arhats. Before he passed into parinirvana, Sakyamuni Buddha instructed the Sixteen Arhats to uphold the Dharma and spread his teachings. Veneration of the Sixteen Arhats began in China during the Tang dynasty (618-907). The practice gained prominence in Japan after the monk Chonen, of Todaiji Temple, returned from China with Song dynasty (960-1279) paintings of the Arhats in 987 of the Heian period. They gained further popularity with the practice of rakanku" (making offerings to the Sixteen Arhats) initiated by Fujiwara no Michinaga in 1018. This set of 16 paintings |
