Arhat - 16 Elders: Kalika
(item no. 99143)

China

1400 - 1499

Buddhist Lineage

78x50cm (30.71x19.69in)

Ground Mineral Pigment on Silk

Collection of Private


 


Kalika, the Elder (Tibetan: du den, dra chen dzin. Sanskrit: Sthavira Kalika): the 4th arhat from the set of 16 great arhats.

"On the good continent of Jambudvipa is the noble elder Kalika, surrounded by 1,100 arhats; homage to the One holding gold earrings." (Sakya liturgical text).

The Sixteen Great Arhats are generally painted as a set. The full group would include the buddha Shakyamuni, the 16 arhats, the attendant Dharmatala, the patron Hvashang and the Four Guardians of the Directions - Vaishravana, Virupaksha, Dritarashtra and Virudhaka.

Jeff Watt 5-99




Copyright © 2008 Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation.
Images Provided Courtesy of Private Collections