| Antique
Japanese Carved Okimono
Handaka
and Dragon
Rakan Disciple of Buddha
Unsigned,
Meji Period, (1868-1911)
H
1.75 in.(4.5cm.), W 2 in.(5cm.), D 2.25 in.(6cm.)
Condition: arm restoration, minor loss, hairlines
The
name Arhat means "Destroyer of the Spiritual Enemy". Arhat is considered as the
Guardian of the Buddhist Doctrines, spiritual hero who have completed the different
stages of the Noble Path, and fully realized the selfless reality. This
exceptionally expressive small Japanese okimono is identified as Arhat Handaka,
sanskrit : Pan-t'o-ka, Panthaka or Pantha the Elder, one of the original 18 disciples
of the Historic Buddha, variously called Arhats or Lohans. The Arhat Panthaka,
or Maha-Panthaka implies the meaning of "Continuing the Great Way". He is believed
to possessed great spiritual power capable of pass through walls, and to summon
fire and water at will. Panthaka had some 1300 followers, and known as a dragon
tamer; as portrayed here conjuring a dragon in his left hand. Private Collection |  |
