Sixteen Arhats

JAPAN; Heian period

Dating from the 11th century, this is the oldest surviving set of Japanese paintings depicting the Sixteen Arhats. Before he passed into parinirvana, Sakyamuni Buddha instructed the Sixteen Arhats to uphold the Dharma and spread his teachings. Veneration of the Sixteen Arhats began in China during the Tang dynasty (618–907). The practice gained prominence in Japan after the monk Chonen, of Todaiji Temple, returned from China with Song dynasty (960–1279) paintings of the Arhats in 987 of the Heian period. They gained further popularity with the practice of “rakanku” (making offerings to the Sixteen Arhats) initiated by Fujiwara no Michinaga in 1018. This set of 16 paintings, each measuring 95.8 cm high by 53 cm wide, was listed as a National Treasure of Japan in 1953.
The Arhats are painted within a series of lively scenes. One is shown paying respect to a relic, another sits on horseback and holds out his hat to a hungry ghost. A third Arhat sits in a hall, accompanied by a robust warrior, while below two smaller figures pay respect and make offerings. Another Arhat appears to read a sutra aloud. The Arhats are depicted as monks with ordinary appearances, differing from many other paintings that portray them with exaggerated features. The name and abode of each Arhat, as described in the Records of Nandimitra’s Discourse on Abiding Dharma, is inscribed in the upper right corner of each painting. Gold and silver leaf highlights are applied, typical of Heian period paintings. Rich colors and intricate brushwork made this set a model for subsequent Japanese paintings of the Arhats.