Print Of The Lohan Nagasena In Black And White On Paper. China 18°.

Black and white print of the Lohan Nagasena. In the 9th century this portrait was painted, as well as those of 15 other Ahrats by the painter Guanxiu who was a Buddhist monk. 900 years later, in 1757, Emperor Kienlong during a visit to Shengyin Monastery in the former province of Hang admired the 16 portraits. In order to perpetuate them, he ordered the sculpture of 16 carved stones to make many prints of these works of art, of which here is one of the rare examples. Since then, the stones and original paintings have disappeared. We still have, thanks to the emperor, the testimony in this prints. They were printed from 1757 and probably during part of the 19th century. We don't know how many copies. The Metropolitan Museum houses the complete series of 16 prints. One of them, identical to ours, represents the Ahrat Nagasena. Good condition, no repairs Slightly worn, faded and folded. Size: 110x50cm