BAMBOO SUBJECT CARVED WITH THE EFFIGY OF A LOHAN... Lot 39

BAMBOO SUBJECT CARVED WITH THE EFFIGY OF A LOHAN / ARHAT China, Qing Dynasty, 19th century The Buddhist figure who has reached the last stage of wisdom is represented sitting in rajalalisana on a Chinese qilin or unicorn whose head he tramples with his left foot. He leans forward, maintains his balance by supporting his right hand on his right thigh and holds with his left hand a ruyi sceptre whose head has been cut off or what could be likened to a branch of coral. Her face, very expressive, is grinning. His skull is topped with a tiara or a high hat with lateral ornaments. A scarf tied around his neck. A carved breastplate in front of her, encircling her chest. Wearing long boots. A little European character with a top hat on his side. Cloudy volutes at his feet placing him in the celestial register. A rocky base. Harmonious patina that can be described as oozing (some lacks). H: 21 cm - W: 10.7 cm - D: 10.5 cm Approximate weight: 257 grams Note: It seems that it is not strictly speaking possible to identify the subject. Some would consider that it could be pindola 住世. Others would only mention a lohan and a tiger. This piece is marked by its curves, the flexibility of its sculpture and the interest we have in observing it on all its faces: the rocky base that lets the horizon filter through; the hind legs as well as the curled tail of the beast; the power test that is played between the beast and the foot that seems to want to crush it. The presence of a small European-style character wearing a top hat is surprising as much as it allows you to date the piece. Its presence, moreover, leads us to believe that this piece could have been made for export. At the same time, the overall composition as well as the forward inclination of the lohan leads us to believe that it could have been placed in a temple, on an altar, at a height, and thus destined to be seen from below. A BAMBOO CARVING OF A LUOHAN RIDING A QILIN, A EUROPEAN B