Arhats

CHINA; Qing dynasty

This painting of two Arhats is part of the album Sixteen Contemplations in Seclusion. Many of the paintings in the album were inspired by the experiences and religious practices of the artist, Chen Hongshou. He completed this painting at the age of 54, a year before his death.
The two Arhats sit before desks. They both wear voluminous monastic robes, and have their shoes placed beside them. One Arhat holds a sutra with both hands and looks over at his companion, who sits with his head bent, concentrating on another sutra. The Arhats have exaggerated facial features, long ears, wrinkled faces, and knobby skulls. The folds in their robes are depicted with curving lines. Numerous collector seals are imprinted on the left side of the picture.