Lot Details & Additional Photographs
Qing dynasty (1644-1912), Kangxi period (1662-1722), ivory toned stone with dark inclusions is carved as an arhat luohan figure, casually seated and dressed in loose robes that are finely incised with foliate and dragon decoration over a wave pattern ground, he sits with a charming smile and holding a
ruyi scepter in his left hand and a small circular object in his left hand, his beard and dark hair are finely incised around his the well-carved face, with an old inventory sticker to underside, presented with a carved wood stand.
Figure 4 x 3 1/2 x 1 1/2 in., with base 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 3 1/4 in.
Nagatani, Inc.
This incredibly detailed and masterful carving is unmarked, but most certainly created by a superbly skilled artist from the Kangxi period, like Zhou Bin. Zhou Bin was from Zhangzhou in Fujian province, a region renowned for its rich soapstone quarries. The figure on offer here lacks the reddish black base with an inscription, but shares the style and details of the four luohans by Zhou Bin offered at Sotheby's, New York from a single collection: the first, September 23, 2020, lot 673; the second, September 22, 2005, lot 60; the third, March 31- April 1, 2005, lot 202; and the fourth September 22, 2004, lot 50.
Overall very good condition; a few nicks to base.