Arhat

CHINA; Yuan dynasty

An inscription and red seal imprints attribute this painting, made in 1304 of the Yuan dynasty, to Zhao Mengfu of Wuxing (present day Zhejiang). A descendant of the Song dynasty imperial family, Zhao was an accomplished poet, calligrapher, and painter. His theory of classical, unrefined painting linked with calligraphy was the foundational philosophy of the literati painters of the Yuan dynasty.
The bearded Arhat has deep-set eyes, a high-bridged nose, and short hair. Clad in a red monastic robe, the Arhat sits in full lotus position on a moss-covered stone. The left palm is held out, forming a mudra. Behind the Arhat, there are rocks and an old tree with a vine coiled around it. The rocks are outlined with fine lines and washed with light green. The rough texture of stone is portrayed by applying a dry brush on wet paint. Bright, vivid colors give the painting a striking appearance. Numerous seal imprints by various Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasty artists are stamped on both sides of the painting.