Figure of a luohan
- Audio guide stop: 621
- Gallery: Room 33
- Culture: Liao dynasty
- Made in: Hebei (province)
- Date: 907-1125
- Object type: figure
- Materials: stoneware
- Museum number: 1913,1221.1
- Museum: The British Museum
- Collection record: British Museum website
- Image © The Trustees of the British Museum, shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 licence.
Listen to the free audio guide
About this object
Before you is a life-size figure of a "luohan," a sacred figure from Buddhist tradition. Created in the Liao dynasty, the sculpture shows a seated "luohan" with hands on the lap, wearing layered robes decorated in green, brown, and blue stripes. The figure is made of lead-glazed stoneware, with a rich, glossy surface that catches light.
This artwork is one from a set originally placed in caves near Yixian, Hebei province. Each "luohan" was uniquely modeled, giving a sense of individuality and solemn dignity. The piece reflects a long artistic tradition rooted in Tang dynasty portraiture. The robe patterns suggest a monk’s humble patchwork mantle, and the stern yet peaceful expression conveys spiritual depth and humanity's potential for enlightenment.
See it in person
Figure of a luohan is on display in Room 33 at the British Museum on Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London — free to enter. Choose British Museum on audioguide.london and type its audio guide stop number, 621, from the gallery label, or take a photo of it, to hear this free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
New, in beta. British Museum support has just launched and is still improving: over 1,000 objects so far, with more added all the time.
