Korean School, Late 19th–early 20th Century — Seated Luohan With A Buddhist Guardian Lion

KOREAN SCHOOL, LATE 19TH–EARLY 20TH CENTURY
Luohan Seated on a Rock, Holding a Ritual Box and Accompanied by a Lion
Painting on mounted paper, gouache and ink.
H_78 cm W_53 cm
Good condition.

This popular ritual painting depicts a Luohan, or Arhat, bare-chested and seated in a relaxed pose upon a rock. He holds a sacred box or casket in his left hand, probably intended to contain Buddhist sutras, while a roaring Buddhist guardian lion (shishi) stands beside him. Luohans, or Arhats, are enlightened Buddhist figures traditionally regarded as protectors of the Buddhist faith.

This type of votive imagery belongs to the tradition of Buddhist and Taoist painting in East Asia, whether associated with late Qing China or with Korean minhwa. Such popular Korean paintings could serve both devotional and protective functions, and were displayed in domestic, ceremonial or religious contexts