top 3/4 of a male figure wrapped completely in red robe, frowning mouth, eyes gazing slightly upward; three line inscription in black ink at top; one line red inscription bottom

Daruma, c. 1818 - 1837

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Bodhidharma, known as “Daruma” in Japan, is one of the iconic figures associated with Zen Buddhism. Born in India, he is credited with transmitting Zen teaching to China sometime during the Former Song dynasty (420–479 CE), and is thus considered the patriarch of Chinese Zen (or Chan). Here, the painter, Mindō Sōsen—the 429th abbot of the influential Zen monastery Daitokuji—renders his portrait of the scruffy-faced patriarch in crimson ink. The inscription above, brushed by the retired Daitokuji abbot, Chūhō Sō'u, reads: “The fruit comes into being naturally. / One flower produces five leaves.” “Five leaves” is a reference to the five schools of Zen that developed in China after Bodhidharma’s time.

Details
Title
Daruma
Artist Life
1768 - 1837
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2015.79.179
Catalogue Raisonne
Murase, Art through a Lifetime, no. 426
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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top 3/4 of a male figure wrapped completely in red robe, frowning mouth, eyes gazing slightly upward; three line inscription in black ink at top; one line red inscription bottom