East Asian Art BowlMade in Japan, Asia Meiji Period (1868-1912),
Late 19th century Artist/maker unknown, Japanese Porcelain with
overglaze enamel and gilt decoration (Kutani ware), teakwood
cover Currently not on view 1897-190,aThe General Hector Tyndale
Memorial Collection, 1897 LabelRakan is the Japanese name for
the disciples of the Buddha, around whom a cult developed in
China. The Buddha is said to have entrusted these sixteen
disciples with the protection of the Buddhist law. They are
frequently depicted with their identifying attributes, such as a
book or a tiger. Because the Rakan were originally from India,
they are often shown with exaggerated, non-Japanese features.