Manifestation of the Amitabha Buddha Triad as Arhats

CHINA; Qing dynasty

According to the inscription in the upper left corner, this painting depicts Amitabha Buddha, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva manifested as Arhats. The last two phrases of the inscription are from the “Universal Gateway Chapter” of the Lotus Sutra, which states that Avalokitesvara will appear as an Arhat if required, as an expedient mean to guide sentient beings.
The picture was painted by Chen Hongshou. After the fall of the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Chen renounced worldly life and became a monastic. Seal imprints on the painting read “Huiseng” and “Yunmen Seng,” both names that Chen took after entering monastic life.
The three Arhats stand beside a large perforated rock. Their heads lean forward slightly and their hands appear to be extended in welcome. All three figures have large foreheads, long ears, mustaches, and beards. The Arhat on the left in the red robe is thought to represent Amitabha. The Arhat on the right wears a unique robe decorated with images of clouds seated upon by Arhats. Soft, detailed lines are used to depict the facial features. Stiff lines painted with an upright brush portray the folds on the robes. The wash technique gives depth to the colors on the faces, the clothing, and the rock on the right.