Arhats

CHINA; Ming dynasty

In this long painting scroll, Ding Yunpeng, in an effort to avoid repetitiveness, only paints twelve of the traditional Eighteen Arhats. The figures vary in appearance and behavior. Some of the Arhats have wrinkled faces, beards, and long eyebrows, while others are clean-shaven with smooth facial features. While some Arhats receive offerings, others sit in meditation or read sutras. One Arhat is shown subduing a dragon, while another stands and watches a tiger as it frolics by the ocean waves. The Arhats are accompanied by attendants and donors who make offerings, prepare incense, or hold objects.
Although the surrouding terrain appears perilous, the scenes have an atmosphere of serenity. The painting bears a square seal imprint of Ding Yunpeng’s style name “Nanyu.” On the back, there is a verse in praise of the Eighteen Arhats composed by Su Wenzhong of the Song dynasty (960–1279) and written in regular script by Ding’s pupil, Yao Ximeng.