#Dragon Tamer Luohan

[themuseumwithoutwalls]

MWW Artwork of the Day (5/15/21) Yuan Dynasty China (1271-1368) Dragon Tamer Luohan at the Moment of Enlightenment (c. 1280-1320) Polychromed wood sculpture, 104.1 x 76.2 x 55.9 cm. Seattle Art Museum (Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection)

With an electric stare and breath escaping through gritted teeth, this monk exerts his miraculous power of concentration to summon a dragon from the heavens —- in order to capture it. Dragons are long associated with life-giving, spring rains. Dragon-quellers like this one were believed able to prevent droughts and control floods. Luohans (also known as Arhats) were the original disciples of the Buddha and were also enlightened beings —- each was known for various distinctive pursuits and supernatural powers. You can pray to Luohans in Buddhist temples for enlightenment or, more practically, for rainfall and a good harvest. (from the Museum website)

#Dragon Tamer Luohan #Yuan Dynasty #chinese sculpture #non-western art