Tiger-Taming Arhat

CHINA; Ming dynasty

This painting of an Arhat bears the signature and seal of Dai Jin, a native of Qiantang (present day Hangzhou, Zhejiang) and the founding father of the Zhejiang school of painting during the Ming dynasty. The Arhat holds a staff and sits under an old tree in front of a temple gate. Dignified and calm, he extends his left hand to pet a wide-eyed tiger. In the background, a hunched attendant, half-hidden behind a gate, watches fearfully. The detailed face of the Arhat is carefully painted with faint lines. The folds of the clothing are depicted with succinct, rhythmic brushstrokes. “Ax-cut” strokes are used to portray the rocks, while the leaves of the tree overhead are illustrated with spots of ink.