{"product_id":"the-sixteen-luohans-chen-xian","title":"The Sixteen Luohans - Chen Xian","description":"\u003cp\u003eA refined ink and light colour study of two Luohans by the seventeenth-century Chinese artist Chen Xian, dated 1634.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis work by Chen Xian, a painter active during the late Ming and early Qing periods, depicts figures from the Buddhist tradition known as Luohans. These individuals are enlightened beings who have attained a state of spiritual perfection. Chen Xian is recognised for his distinct approach to figure painting, often favouring a minimalist aesthetic that relies on fluid, expressive brushwork rather than excessive detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition focuses on the interaction between two figures. One sits in a meditative posture, draped in simple robes, while the other attends to him with a small implement. The artist employs a restrained palette, using ink washes to define the folds of the garments and the contours of the faces. The paper support provides a neutral, warm tone that allows the subtle application of light colour to emerge without distraction. The calligraphic quality of the lines demonstrates the artist's mastery of the brush, where each stroke carries weight and purpose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChen Xian often explored themes related to religious devotion and the quietude of monastic life. His work avoids the ornate decorative styles prevalent in some court painting, opting instead for a direct, humanised portrayal of these figures. The inscription on the right side of the work provides context regarding its creation, dating it to the tenth month of the jiaxu year of the Chongzhen reign, which corresponds to 1634. This piece offers a view into the stylistic preferences of seventeenth-century Chinese ink painting, where the economy of means serves to draw the viewer into the contemplative nature of the subject matter. The lack of a complex background ensures that the focus remains entirely on the physical presence and the subtle gestures of the two figures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/the-sixteen-luohans-wu-bin\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Sixteen Luohans by Wu Bin\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/luohan-after-a-set-attributed-to-guanxiu-fine-art-print\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eLuohan, after a set attributed to Guanxiu - Fine Art Print by Unidentified\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Chen Xian","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ -","offer_id":59115554570575,"sku":null,"price":37.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ -","offer_id":59115588878671,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ -","offer_id":59115588911439,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":59115588944207,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":59115588976975,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":59115589009743,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":59115589042511,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":59115589075279,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":59115589108047,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":59115589140815,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":59115589173583,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":59115589206351,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/The-Sixteen-Luohans_Poster_CompositorV1_1791934530114.jpg?v=1791944909","url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.co.uk\/de\/products\/the-sixteen-luohans-chen-xian","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}