Lohan in a cave

During the 1800s and 1900s, the lohan in a grotto motif followed a formula: rocks, trees, creepers, mist, and water. This example, carved of Manasi jade with purple inclusions and white mottling, depicts a lohan seated in a shallow cave with an overhanging rock. He is shaded by a pine tree growing along the right side; its gnarled roots clinging to the rocks below, and lingzhi fungus sprouts along its trunk. The lohan wears monk's robes, with one shoulder bare, and holds a scroll in his hands. Except for a few creases on his forehead that indicate his age, he has no identifiable characteristics. An incense burner with the smoke going sideways (an indication of bad planning on the part of the craftworker) and a book sit on the low ledge, which serves as a table. Strands of creepers dangle unnaturally from the rocks above. Between the ledge and the outcropping that supports the figure flows a little stream, its spray curling up in "ginger- shoot" waves below. On the reverse is a simpler rock formation; the pine branches extend from the front and a few clouds rise from the right side.