Arhat

CHINA; Southern Song dynasty

An inscription in the upper left corner of this picture states that the central figure is Nakula of Jambudvipa, and names the artist as the monk Guanxiu (832–912). Also known as Master Chanyue, Guanxiu was a native of Lanxi (present day Jinhua, Zhejiang) known for his paintings of the Sixteen Arhats, portrayed as ascetics with bushy eyebrows, large eyes, long earlobes, and sharp noses. This painting was brought to Japan during the Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279), and is listed as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
The barefooted Nakula sits with the right knee bent next to an old tree. Nakula has a broad forehead and long earlobes. Beads are worn on the right arm, which rests on his knee. The face and hands are depicted with distinct fine lines, while broad strokes are used to draw the robe and the tree branches.