Woodblock print in colours, 37,5 x 25,5 cm. Published by Enshu-ya Matabei, ca. 1845. A rakan (Sanskrit: Arhat) is a Buddhist ascetic who has attained exceptional spiritual insight; traditionally, sixteen rakan were regarded as especially worthy of veneration. This series of sixteen numbered prints pairs beautiful women with rakan in a playful manner. In number eight, a mother turns from her sewing box to nurse her young child, with toys scattered on the floor beside her. The rakan holds his associated symbolic attribute, a pair of tongs. PROVENANCE The collection of Dr Eugen Milch (1889-1958), Austrian physician and artist. During the First World War he practiced as a medical officer. Milch was a true globetrotter - in the early 1920s, he travelled across Europe on a combined study and painting tour. In 1924, he married Emma Bormann, and the couple visited Sweden that same year. Together with the artist Oskar Bergman, they exhibited a number of paintings at Liljevalchs in Stockholm. In 1937, Eugen left for China with other Austrian physicians at the invitation of the Chinese government, and was joined by his wife two years later. The initial posting didn’t materialize, but in 1938 he became superintendent of a hospital in Beihai, China. In 1941, when Japanese forces occupied part of the South China coast, including Beihai, the Milch family managed to move to Shanghai. While in China, Eugen and Emma decided to separate. Eugen went on to assist British forces in China, for which he was awarded British citizenship. Continuing his travels, he went to Japan to study the aftermath of the war, and this is where he probably acquired the present collection of Japanese woodblock prints. He died in Hong Kong in 1958. Thence by descent within the family. LITTERATURE Robinson, 11.8. Condition: Age-related wear, surface dirt, handling creases. For any questions, please contact lisa.mejeritcher@stockholmsauktionsverk.com. Category: Asiatica/Other Estimate: 1500 SEK