Kakemono Bodhidharma with Flowing Robe and Calligraphy

One of a kind — this work exists only once.

Period:
Shôwa (1926–1989)
Dimensions (height x width):
195 x 62 cm
Item number:
4821

This piece has been sold.

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.

More items in category Buddhism and ZenAll one-of-a-kind Japanese Painting pieces

See new one-of-a-kind pieces first

We feature every delivery from Japan in the newsletter first – before the pieces show up in search results.

About once a week. No spam. Promised. Unsubscribe at any time via the link in each issue.

By signing up you accept our privacy policy.

You might like these pieces

Details about the sold piece

  • JikusakiSculpture
  • Material HonshiSilk
  • MotifBuddhism and Zen, Calligraphy, Daruma
  • TechniqueHand-Painted

Description

With a piercing gaze and energetic, broad brushstrokes, Bodhidharma, the legendary founder of Zen Buddhism, appears on this kakemono – the coarse, almost calligraphic linework of his robe stands in appealing contrast to the finely rendered facial features with bushy eyebrows and a long beard. His alert, almost piercing gaze seems to fix the viewer directly.

Above the figure is a short line of calligraphy, which lends the image an additional layer of thought and underscores the close connection between painting and the art of writing in the Zen tradition. Red seals at the inscription and signature confirm the artist's authorship and lend the sheet additional authenticity.

The work is painted on silk, fitted with a jikusaki made of synthetic material, and dates from the Shôwa period. In Japan, Bodhidharma is regarded as a symbol of unshakeable willpower and perseverance – a motif that has enjoyed great popularity in kakemono painting for centuries and, even today, holds its own as a powerful, characterful wall hanging.

Frequently asked

Related topics