Sixteen Rakan (Disciples of Buddha)
Artist
Katsushika Hokusai
(Japanese, 1760-1849)
CultureJapanese
Dateca. 1840
MediumInk and pigment on paper
DimensionsOverall: 34 3/4 x 58 3/4 in. (88.3 x 149.2 cm)
InscribedNone.
Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.
Object number71.196
Not on view
DescriptionInk and pigment on paper painting of sixteen Rakan (Disciples of Buddha). The 16 Rakan are divided into two groups, five at the right, eleven at the left. On the right, one holds aloft a begging bowl and another one holds up a bowl with a grotesque plant (?) rising from it. A dragon, partially seen, emerges from the sky at center with a strange smile to the large tiger at center bottom that looks up to the dragon. Rakan at left are in various activities, one reading a scroll, one holding a "ju-i" sceptre. Drawing is very spontaneous in black ink, with strong sure brush strokes. A salmon pink colors the faces of the Rakan, the tiger's stripes, the grotesque plant and a rock at the right.
18th century
18th century
