Location

240A Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy

Fun Fact

This <em>luohan</em> with a bald head wears a monk’s robe made of patches.

Description

Luohan are disciples of Buddha with supernatural powers and eccentric behaviors. This luohan is holding the peach of longevity (shoutao), while its mate is holding the fu-dog, symbolizing good luck. With carefree smiles and playful gestures, these two figures embody a humorous attitude and a detachment from worldly affairs. This pair of porcelain figures was perhaps part of a house altar set or a decorative item in a household.

Provenance

Edmund Cogswell Converse [1849–1921], Greenwich, Connecticut

February 10, 1926

(American Art Galleries, NY, February 10, 1926, lot no. 305)

1926–1936

John L. Severance [1863–1936], Cleveland, OH, by descent to Severance Millikin

1936–1964

Severance A. [1895–1985] and Greta [Marguerite Steckerl] Millikin [1903–1989], Cleveland, OH, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art

1964–

The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH

Citations

Catalogue of the Severance and Greta Millikin Collection. Cleveland, Ohio: Cleveland Museum of Art, 1990. Mentioned: p. 74, no. 74

Exhibition history

The Severance and Greta Millikin Collection. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (July 5-September 2, 1990).

Taming Tigers and Releasing Dragons: Masterpieces of Chinese Buddhist Art – Chinese Gallery Rotation 240a, 241c. The Cleveland Museum of Art (organizer) (February 8-August 11, 2019).

Escaping to a Better World: Eccentrics and Immortals in Chinese Art (Chinese art rotation). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (May 13-November 6, 2022).

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Lohan (Arhat) Holding a Peach

羅漢持桃

China, Jiangxi province, Jingdezhen kilns, Qing dynasty (1644-1911), Kangxi reign

Location

Fun Fact

Description