Bodhidharma on a Reed
Sold – no longer available
This piece was a handmade one-of-a-kind work. It cannot be reordered and will never exist in this form again. The page stays online as part of our archive.
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Details about the sold piece
- Height 61 cm
- Width 36 cm
- Item Type Makuri
- Material Honshi Silk
- Technique Hand-Painted
- Unique Work Yes
No longer available
Description
Bodhidharma, also known in Japanese as Daruma, is regarded as the first patriarch of Zen Buddhism, who according to legend brought the teaching from India to China toward the end of the 5th century. Here he is depicted standing in wide, elaborately curved robe folds, his gaze lowered in deep meditation.
At his feet lies a single reed stalk, a reference to the well-known legend according to which Bodhidharma is said to have crossed the Yangtze River on a single reed. The fine, clear contour lines, combined with the sparingly colored areas of the face and foot, lend the figure a calm, almost floating presence despite the reduced means.
As a makuri, this painting is unmounted, allowing it to be individually incorporated into its own mounting or a kakemono frame. The painting on silk was created in fine handwork and bears the artist's signature and red seal at the bottom.
