The Third of the Sixteen Arhats

In Buddhism, Arhats are sages who have completed their ascetic training. The Sixteen Arhats are a special group who were charged with remaining in this world after the Buddha Sakyumuni's death in order to protect and promulgate Buddhist teachings. The art displayed here is from a set of 16 hanging scrolls. These scrolls, formerly housed in Shojuraigoji Temple in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, are the oldest extant set of the Sixteen Arhats. They are modelled on earlier Arhat depictions from Tang dynasty China. The Arhats and other figures are depicted with gentle countenances and an array of colors is used to unite each composition. The pictures utilize a technique called urazaishiki, whereby color is applied to the reverse side of the silk screens. When viewed through silk, the pigments appear more subdued and this creates the impression of soft skin, for example. This bright, gentle coloring is a characteristic feature of Japanese Buddhist paintings from the 11th century. In the upper part of each painting is a rectangular area that notes the name and abode of each arhat.

A closer examination reveals a number of birds and flowers. These provide a glimpse into the refined tastes of the Heian nobility. This painting shows one of the Sixteen Arhats — enlightened sages worshiped as the protectors of Buddhism. This arhat sits outside a temple holding a scroll of sacred writings. Below him, three gods fly through the air on a cloud. They clasp their hands and worship the arhat, indicating his sacred status. Created over 900 years ago, this image belongs to the oldest set of paintings depicting the Sixteen Arhats. The imperial court and nobility were the leading patrons of Buddhism at this time. Their artistic tastes are reflected by the soft outlines and gentle colors. These colors were achieved using a special technique called [urazaishiki] (“back coloring”), in which the pigments are applied to the back of the silk canvas so that they appear faintly through the silk weave.

— Museum description: Tokyo National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.