Bodhidharma Crossing the Sea, 1368-1643
Unknown Chinese, 14th - 17th centuryexpand_more
Ink on silkexpand_more
Gift of funds from Joan Wurteleexpand_more 99.17.2
On View in Gallery 103expand_more
Executed primarily in fine line ink technique (Bai Miao), a Buddhist luohan or arhat is shown riding his walking staff through turbulent waves. He holds a flaming pearl in his right hand and peers over his shoulder at a dragon emerging from a bank of dark, threatening clouds. The affiliation of luohans and dragons comes from early accounts of the miraculous powers of the great patriarchs or Chan Buddhism to control dragons. Dragons were believed to affect rain and thunder and those who could summon dragons could share their power to make rain. Buddhist monks and Daoist sages were both thought to have wonder-working control over the powers of the universe. The swirling waves, clouds, and contorted dragon represent the forces of nature over which an enlightened follower of the Buddhist law (dharma) could gain mastery.
Details
- Title
- Bodhidharma Crossing the Sea
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 99.17.2
- 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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