Archives Scrapbooks

This image shows a photograph of a stone relief carving, presented as a page from a book or album.

Key Elements:

• The Artifact: The central focus is a vertically oriented, rectangular stone stele featuring a bas-relief sculpture of a standing figure.

  • The figure is depicted in profile, turned to the right, with a serene and slightly smiling expression.
  • It has a halo or nimbus behind its head, indicating a sacred or enlightened being.
  • The figure is dressed in flowing robes, characteristic of Buddhist monastic attire, with folds carved to show volume and movement.
  • The left hand is raised to the chest, with fingers arranged in a specific gesture (mudra), while the right hand appears to be holding an object, possibly an alms bowl or a symbolic item.

• The Photograph & Presentation:

  • The stone stele is photographed against a dark, matte background, which isolates the artifact and emphasizes its form.
  • The photograph is mounted on a cream-colored page, with black corner mounts securing it.
  • In the top right corner of the page, the number "[16]" is handwritten in pencil, likely indicating the page or item number in the album.
  • Along the right edge, the spine of the book is visible, with a yellow tab that reads "CHINESE BUDDHIST".

• Handwritten Caption:

  • Below the photograph, there is a handwritten caption in blue ink that identifies the artifact:

    Buddhist Immortal (Arhat)
    from T’ien Lung Sahm Grottoes
    (available from C. T. Laughlin)

  • Note on Spelling: The caption uses the older Wade-Giles romanization "T'ien Lung Sahm Grottoes." This is a variant spelling of the famous Tianlongshan Grottoes (天龍山石窟), a significant site of Buddhist cave temples located in Shanxi Province, China, dating primarily to the Northern Qi dynasty (6th century) and the Sui and Tang dynasties (6th–9th centuries).

  • "Arhat" (or "Arahat") is a term in Buddhism for a person who has attained enlightenment and is freed from the cycle of rebirth.

• Historical Context:

  • The mention of "available from C. T. Laughlin" suggests this photograph may have been used for documentation, study, or even commercial purposes, as Charles T. Laughlin was known to have been involved in the art trade during the early 20th century, a period when many artifacts were removed from Chinese sites.
  • This artifact likely represents a high-quality example of early medieval Chinese Buddhist sculpture, showcasing the stylistic features common in grotto art from the period.

In summary, this image is a historical photograph of a stone Buddhist Arhat (Immortal) sculpture from the Tianlongshan Grottoes in China, mounted in an album with handwritten identification. It serves as both a document of a significant cultural artifact and a record of its circulation and study during the early 20th century.

The image shows a page from a book or catalog featuring a black-and-white photograph of a stone relief sculpture. The relief depicts a Buddhist figure, likely an Arhat (a term for an "Arahant" or "Enlightened One"), dressed in traditional robes. The figure is standing and appears to be holding an object, possibly a fan or a scroll. The sculpture is framed within a rectangular border, and the text below the image identifies it as a "Buddhist Immortal (Arhat) from T'ien Lung Sahn Grottoes" and notes that it is available from C. J. Laughlin. The page has a vintage appearance, suggesting it may be from an older documentation or catalog.

This image showcases a photograph of a stone carving depicting a Buddhist Immortal, also known as an Arhat. The carving is mounted on a black rectangular frame and is displayed on a beige page within a book or portfolio. The Arhat is depicted in a standing pose, wearing traditional robes that are intricately carved to show folds and drapery. The figure has a halo around its head, indicating its spiritual significance. The Arhat is holding a small object in its right hand, possibly a fan or a scroll. The carving appears to be weathered, suggesting it is an ancient piece. Below the photograph, there is handwritten text that reads: "Buddhist Immortal (Arhat) from T'ien Lung Sahn Grottoes (available from C. F. Laughlin)." The page is part of a collection, as indicated by the yellow tab on the side with the word "GALLERIES" and the number 16 in the top right corner.

The image is a page from a book or a notebook. It features a photograph of a stone carving of a Buddhist Immortal, also known as an Arhat. The carving is in black and white, and it depicts a figure wearing traditional robes, holding a small object in one hand, and with a serene expression. The photograph is mounted on the page with a black border around it. Below the photograph, there is a caption written in blue ink, which reads "Buddhist Immortal (Arhat) from Thien Lung Sahn Grottoes (available from C. T. Lauehlein)." The page has a green border on the right side, and there is a small yellow label attached to the right edge of the page.

The image appears to be a page from a book or album featuring a black and white photograph of a Buddhist Immortal, also known as an Arhat. The photograph depicts a stone carving or sculpture of a Buddhist figure, possibly a monk or saint, with intricate details and textures.

The image is accompanied by a caption or description, written in blue ink, which provides some context and information about the photograph. The caption reads:

"Buddhist Immortal (Arhat) from Tien Lung Sanh Grottoes (available from C. T. Laugelin)"

Based on this caption, the photograph likely shows a Buddhist Immortal or Arhat from the Tien Lung Sanh Grottoes, a series of Buddhist cave temples located in China. The caption also mentions that the photograph is available from C. T. Laugelin, which could be a publisher, distributor, or seller of such images or prints.

The image is presented on a page with a beige background and a green border, suggesting that it is part of a larger publication or collection of photographs or illustrations related to Buddhist art, culture, or history.

The image shows a page from a book or catalog featuring a detailed black-and-white illustration of a Buddhist Immortal (Arhat). The illustration is mounted on a black rectangular mat and is presented against a light beige background. The figure is depicted in a traditional style, wearing flowing robes and a halo-like headpiece, which is characteristic of Buddhist iconography. The figure's posture is serene and contemplative, with one hand gently resting on the other, suggesting a meditative or spiritual state.

Below the illustration, handwritten text identifies the subject as:

• "Buddhist Immortal (Arhat)"
• "from Tien Lung Sahri Grottoes"
• "available from C. J. Laughlin"

The page appears to be part of an archival or exhibition catalog, as indicated by the structured layout and the inclusion of descriptive text. The top right corner of the page has a handwritten notation "[16]," likely indicating the page number or catalog entry number. The overall presentation suggests a focus on historical or artistic documentation, possibly related to Buddhist art or archaeology.

The image presents a photograph of an open book, showcasing a page featuring a carved stone relief of a Buddhist monk.

• The book is open to a page with a beige background and a green cover.
  • The page contains a black-and-white photograph of a carved stone relief of a Buddhist monk.
  • The relief depicts the monk in a robe, holding a bowl in his right hand and gesturing with his left hand.
  • The monk is positioned in front of a circular halo.
  • The relief is mounted on a black background, which is attached to the page.
  • Below the relief, handwritten text reads: "Buddhist Immortal (Arhat) from T'ien Lung Sahn Grottoes (available from C. J. Laughlin)".
  • The text is written in blue ink and appears to be a note or caption.
  • The book is placed on a gray surface, suggesting that it is being displayed or studied.

In summary, the image displays a page from a book featuring a photograph of a carved stone relief of a Buddhist monk, accompanied by handwritten notes providing context about the relief's origin and availability.

This image is a photograph of an open book, featuring a black-and-white illustration of a Buddhist immortal on the right page. The immortal is depicted wearing a robe and holding a cloth in their left hand, with their right hand extended outward. A halo surrounds their head.

The image is accompanied by handwritten notes at the bottom, which read: "Buddhist Immortal (Arhat) from T'ien Lung Shan Grottoes (available from C.F. Laughlin)". The book's pages are beige, and the left page remains blank. The overall atmosphere of the image suggests that it is a historical or cultural artifact, possibly from a museum or archive collection.

The image depicts a page from an open book, featuring a black-and-white rubbing of a Buddhist carving. The rubbing is centered on the page and showcases a figure with a halo, dressed in robes, holding an object in their left hand. The figure appears to be standing on a base or pedestal.

Key Features:

• Rubbing: A black-and-white rubbing of a Buddhist carving, likely created using a technique involving ink or paint on paper.
• Figure: The central figure has a halo and is attired in robes, holding an object in their left hand.
• Base/Pedestal: The figure stands on a base or pedestal, adding depth to the composition.
• Caption: Handwritten text below the rubbing reads, "Buddhist Immortal (Arhat) from T'ien Lung Shan Grottoes (available from C. T. Loo, Paris)."
• Page Number: The page number "16" is visible in the top-right corner.
• Book Binding: The book's binding is green, with a yellow label on the spine.

Overall Impression:

The image presents a detailed and informative representation of a Buddhist carving, accompanied by contextual information about its origin and availability. The use of a rubbing technique allows for a clear and nuanced depiction of the carving's intricate details.

The image presents a black-and-white photograph of an open book, featuring a central illustration of a Buddhist immortal. The book's pages are yellowed and worn, with the left page being blank and the right page displaying the illustration.

• Book
  • The book is open to a page with a black-and-white illustration.
  • The pages are yellowed and worn.
  • The left page is blank.
  • The right page features the illustration.
• Illustration
  • The illustration is a black-and-white photograph of a stone carving.
  • The carving depicts a Buddhist immortal (Arhat) from T'ien Lung Shan Grottoes.
  • The immortal is shown wearing a robe and holding a staff.
  • The carving is set against a black background.
• Text
  • Below the illustration, handwritten text in blue ink reads: "Buddhist Immortal (Arhat) from T'ien Lung Shan Grottoes (available from C.J. Laughlin)".
  • In the top-right corner of the page, the number "16" is handwritten in pencil.
• Binding
  • The book has a green cover.
  • A yellow label is attached to the spine, but the text is illegible.

The image showcases a unique and intriguing illustration of a Buddhist immortal, accompanied by handwritten notes that provide context and provenance.