Figure seated on a rock Back

This is a figure of a luohan, someone who has gained an understanding of the true nature of existence and achieved nirvana. In the Song dynasty, pottery often portrayed children, buildings, trees and flowers, or figures with religious significance such as Buddha, bodhisattva, or the gods and demons from Daoism. It can be argued that this pottery is just as important as paintings when it comes to learning about the Song dynasty. Both types of object are of great value for researchers who want to learn about the history of pottery, toys of the past, statues, the history of painting, folk customs, and religion. The luohan is wearing the robes of a Buddhist monk and has both of his hands on his knees. He is seated in front of a rock.