19th
Century Japanese Okimono
Rakan
Teaching Tengu
Signature: Beishi, Circa: late 19th century
H
8 in.(20cm), W 4 in.(10cm), D 2.5 in.(6.4cm)
Condition: very good! 
Private Collection
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| A
definitive, highly detailed 19th century ivory okimono of a Buddhist rakan (arhat).
According to Buddhist tradition, the rakan is one who has achieved nirvana and
at death will cease reincarnation. This realistic figure is carved from a well-aged
quality ivory, expressive as it conjures the elements and vital presence of awakened
mind. The eyebrows are feathered and arched in half moon, the classical full earlobes
embellished with two heavy earrings. He is raising his muscular forearm, a kyosaku
(stick) in hand and ready to strike below at the transgressor, a mischievous tengu,
who is covetously grasping the silken tassel of the rakan’s weighted mala. In
his right hand, the rakan holds an Amitabha, (Buddha of Infinite Light) which
the tengu gazes upon with awe. To the side, on the ground, is a highly detailed
woven basket that holds a lotus bud folded, closed and waiting to bloom-- perhaps
at the moment when the rakan’s stick hits the third eye of the tengu. Of particular
note is the organic sumptuousness of the lotus leaves, each in different stages
of unfurl. Signed at the bottom by the artist Beishi, this ivory is well cherished,
the focal point of many past contemplations and is in very good condition. (SD)
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