 |
Arhat
|
| |
|
Arhat
CHINA; Qing dynasty (1644-1911), dated 1766; By Jin Tingbiao; Ink and color on paper; 99.7 x 53.4 cm; Palace Museum, Beijing, China
Painted in 1766, this picture is signed by the artist Jin Tingbiao. A postscript written by Emperor Qianlong (reigned 1735-1796), states that it was commissioned by imperial order. The painting is recorded in the Qing Dynasty Imperial Collection of Painting and Calligraphy.
Clad in a red monastic robe draped in waves across the left shoulder, the Arhat holds a gnarled wooden staff and sits on a rock at the entrance to a cave shrouded in clouds. An attendant on the left stands behind a stone table and stares down intently, preparing incense. Tight, undulating brushstrokes are used throughout the painting. The full, healthy face of the central figure differs from the usual portrayal of Arhats as wrinkled ascetics. This elegant artwork is unique among imperial paintings of the Qing dynasty. |
