Chinese Seated Figure of a Lohan or Enlightened One

Perched on a rocky seat, he scowls down at a small beast climbing his leg.

This seated porcelain figure of a lohan or enlightened one is from Jingdezhen, Jiangxi Province, China, and is contemporary. A lohan, known in Sanskrit as an arhat, is a Buddhist disciple who has reached enlightenment, and groups of lohan are commonly honored in Chinese temples. Robed figure with wild brows, large ring earrings and a beard sits on a tall rock. A small cub-like animal clings to the base at the right and one arm is draped in heavy robe folds. The glaze is glossy and cream colored. It is 4.5 inches wide, 2 deep and 6.5 high.

Fierce face, outclimbed by a very small guest.