Carving: Lohan (Rakan) Tama Badra

"A fine Chinese boxwood (huangyang) carving of the ascetic (Lohan - one of 500 Buddhist Disciples)
Tama Badra, an emaciated skeletal figure, in seated position, 18th C., 6"H

Wood has been very important in Chinese life. There is no essential difference between the elements of design for decorative woodcarvings and any other Chinese decorative art. The embroideries, ceramics, metalwares all show many similar designs and patterns, modified to suit the material, Chinese design in art woodcarvings shows great fertility in invention of ornament, with great use having been made of symbolism, mythical and /or religious meaning. Wood is the second of the five Elements and corresponds to the first and second of the Ten Celestial Stems." - Bernie McManus, Appraiser, Woodbury House, Connecticut, 10/23/1999