Arhats

CHINA

This painting by Lu Fengzi, a native of Danyang, Jiangsu, won the top award at a Chinese art exhibition in 1953. There are inscriptions and seal imprints on both sides of the painting that identify the four Arhats as Pindola, Rahula, and two of the Kasyapa brothers. The inscriptions also state that Zhang Sengyao of the Southern Liang dynasty (502–557) was the first artist to paint Arhats.
Although they are old, with white eyebrows and wrinkled faces, the Arhats appear lively and energetic. Two of them face the viewer; the taller figure tilts his head back, gazing upwards. The other Arhat leans to the left, making fists with both hands. The two other Arhats appear to be engaged in conversation, as one extends a forefinger and opens his mouth, and the other laughs with his hand placed on his chest. The emphasis on the facial features of the Arhats, drawn with simple strokes of varying thickness and intensity, results in a vivid image that conveys their wisdom and strength of character.