Title: Arhat-Hyakutai (The 100 Forms of the Arhat), Circa 1860-1890. An Illustrated Manuscript Depicting Hundreds of Buddhist Arhats, with 72 Pages of Ink Groupings, all with Lively and Comical Expressions
Condition: Very Good
A Late Edo to Meiji Period, mid to late 19th century manuscript, tentatively dubbed Arhat-Hyakutai, or the 100 Forms of the Arhat.
As the title would entail, the manuscript is a lovingly illustrated series depicting hundreds of arhats, and the anonymous artist has painted hundreds of them, each page bearing some sort of grouping, all produced on ink, and bearing lively or comical expressions.
An arhat, also known as a luohan in Eastern Asia, is one who has attained the nature of existence, achieved Nirvana, and has been liberated from the endless cycle of rebirth. It can be considered one of the final steps towards becoming a bodhisattva. They are often depicted in various groupings, from anywhere as little as 6, up to 500 and more. Arhats can be considered the Buddhist equivalents of the Christian Saint, apostles or early disciples and leaders of the faith.
One folded manuscript in oblong folio (24.6 x 32.7 cm), 72 leaves
This manuscript is in very good shape, having been crudely folded in half for easier transport by a prior owner at some point, with some edge wear to the pages and a tiny bit of chipping to the final leaf. There is an old, crude tape repair at the final leaf as well, and scattered soiling and ink fading in a few places.