Seven Finely Cast Japanese Bronze Figures of Buddhist Immortals ‘Rakan’
Seven Finely Cast Japanese Bronze Figures of Buddhist Immortals ‘Rakan’
Each one marked to the base - (originally from a set of eight)
Meiji period – Circa 1860
Sizes: approx. 8cm high – 3¼ ins high (each)
Each one marked to the base - (originally from a set of eight)
Meiji period – Circa 1860
Sizes: approx. 8cm high – 3¼ ins high (each)
In Japan the Buddhist Rakan are worthy of great reverence because each has attained the penultimate state of perfection that is the stage before nirvÄna. The Japanese Rakan resemble the Chinese Lohan or Hsien who are the eight mountain dwelling cloud riding immortals of Taoism who could fly great distances or change their appearance at will.
The Japanese Rakan possess four faculties of discernment and exegesis not possessed by ordinary mortals, and five kinds of transcendent knowledge so that they are characterised by supreme wisdom. They can hear and understand all sounds in the universe, know the thoughts of others and remember previous existences. At death they attain nirvÄna completely.
The Japanese Rakan possess four faculties of discernment and exegesis not possessed by ordinary mortals, and five kinds of transcendent knowledge so that they are characterised by supreme wisdom. They can hear and understand all sounds in the universe, know the thoughts of others and remember previous existences. At death they attain nirvÄna completely.
Seven Finely Cast Japanese Bronze Figures of Buddhist Immortals ‘Rakan’
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