Large Vintage Framed Chinese Stone Rubbing Buddhist Pilgrim Xuanzang

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Offered here is a large vintage Chinese stone rubbing depicting a traveling Buddhist pilgrim attributed to Xuanzang (玄奘), the renowned … Read more Offered here is a large vintage Chinese stone rubbing depicting a traveling Buddhist pilgrim attributed to Xuanzang (玄奘), the renowned Tang Dynasty (618-907) monk and translator. The artwork originates from a stone carving at Xingjiao Temple (兴教寺) in Shaanxi, China.
The artwork portrays a middle-aged Buddhist pilgrim with long brows and a slight beard, dressed in a belted robe and straw sandals. He carries a sutra case filled with scrolls, a hand scroll, and a Buddhist whisk (拂尘). Suspended above the case is a lone lantern, symbolizing the illumination of his journey. A small accessory resembling a sword or dagger hangs at his waist. The title "玄奘法师像" (Portrait of Master Xuanzang) is inscribed beside the figure. To the lower left, the inscription reads “民国二十二年冬月长安李枝生摹绘郭希安刻”, indicating it was copied after an early painting in the 22nd year of the Republic of China (1933) by Li Zhisheng and engraved by Guo Xi’an.
This stone rubbing, beautifully presented in a wooden frame with a protective acrylic glass cover, is in overall good condition with no tears or damage, though it shows some original ink skips, signs of aging and minor paint loss on the frame.
29.5 in. wide, 55.75 in. tall (frame)

More information:
* Cultural Significance: A masterpiece that embodies the spiritual journey and dedication of Xuanzang, one of the most influential Buddhist monks in Chinese history.
* Timeless Art Form: Stone rubbings capture the texture and depth of ancient carvings, preserving the essence of historical relics.
* Some researchers have pointed out that the original source of this stone carving at Xingjiao Temple is an even older Japanese artwork, currently housed in the Tokyo National Museum. This piece is a color painting on silk depicting a Buddhist monk, created in the late Kamakura period (1185–1333), making it 700–800 years older than the stone carving at Xingjiao Temple. However, this Japanese artwork also had an original source, which was brought from China. Unfortunately, that original piece has since been lost. See less