The Rakan Handaka Sonja with Dragon - Utagawa Hiroshige

A 19th-century Japanese woodblock print by Utagawa Hiroshige depicting the Arhat Handaka Sonja summoning a dragon from a sacred bowl.

This woodblock print by Utagawa Hiroshige depicts Handaka Sonja, one of the sixteen Rakan or Arhats of the Buddhist tradition. Handaka Sonja is frequently identified by his ability to summon a dragon from a sacred bowl. In this composition, the figure is positioned in the lower centre, holding a small bowl. A dark, calligraphic plume of smoke rises from the bowl, coiling upwards to reveal the form of a dragon amongst the clouds. The dragon is rendered with fine lines, appearing as a spectral presence within the dark smoke. The work demonstrates a clear use of space and decorative elements. The central figure is rendered with loose, expressive brushwork that contrasts with the structured patterns in the background. These surrounding panels feature traditional Japanese motifs, including a red wave pattern and a pale green section containing cranes and clouds. These elements suggest the print may have been part of a harimaze sheet, where multiple designs were printed on a single page to be cut out or kept as a composite. The juxtaposition of the fluid smoke and the geometric repetition of the textile patterns creates a complex visual arrangement. Hiroshige was a leading master of the Ukiyo-e genre during the late Edo period. While he is most famous for his landscape series, his work also encompassed historical and religious subjects. This print shows his skill in balancing representational figures with abstract ornamentation. The palette is restrained, using charcoal greys and muted reds. The inclusion of text on the left side provides further context, likely identifying the subject or the series to which this image belongs. This piece is a factual example of how Buddhist iconography was adapted into the popular woodblock medium for a wider audience in 19th-century Japan. The dragon motif was a standard element in depictions of this specific Arhat.