Intention and Standing Image: Interpretation of the Aesthetic Intention of Arhat Portrait on Mount Wutai

Mount Wutai's Arhat portraits, spanning Ming, Qing, and Republic of China periods, exemplify a unique fusion of traditional Chinese artistry with Buddhist philosophy. These portraits, created by successive generations of literati painters, blend folk elements, foreign Buddhist influences, and classical paradigms to convey generosity, benevolence, and kindness through ethereal and mysterious imagery. The study highlights the aesthetic intention behind these works, emphasizing their spiritual temperament and oriental aesthetics while preserving a sense of antiquity and vividness. This artistic evolution reflects both cultural refinement and philosophical depth, offering a nuanced interpretation of Buddhist art in Mount Wutai.

LI Lei. (2024). Intention and Standing Image: Interpretation of the Aesthetic Intention of Arhat Portrait on Mount Wutai. Journal of Literature and Art Studies, 14(9). https://doi.org/10.17265/2159-5836/2024.09.001