Bodhidharma

Maker(s)
Artist: Sakai Hōitsu 酒井抱一 (1761-1828)
Historical period(s)
Edo period, ca. 1804-1817
Medium
Hanging scroll; ink and light colors on silk
Dimensions
H x W (image): 127 x 57.6 cm (50 x 22 11/16 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F1998.296
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Painting
Type

Hanging scroll

Keywords
Bodhidharma, Buddhism, Edo period (1615 - 1868), Japan, kakemono, Zen Buddhism
Provenance

To 1998
Andreas Leisinger, Zushi, Japan, to 1998

From 1998
Freer Gallery of Art, purchased from Andreas Leisinger in 1998

Previous Owner(s) and Custodian(s)

Andreas Leisinger

Label

Hoitsu's paintings, whether of bird-and-flower scenes or narrative episodes, were most often based on classical Japanese literature. When he occasionally produced Buddhist-related paintings, they were usually in full color and within the complex representational system of deities and mandalas found in esoteric Buddhist sects. This image of the founding Zen patriarch Bodhidharma (sixth century) was a thematic rarity for the artist. Zen-related painting favored the use of ink monochrome for its spontaneity. Hoitsu's technique of lush brushstrokes and subtle modulation of color on silk softens the severe simplicity associated with Bodhidharma images.

The two-line inscription suggests that adherence to societal norms binds the spirit with an invisible cord.

Published References
  • Ikeda Koson. Hoitsu Shonin Shinseki Kagami. Zenpen. 2 vols., . .
Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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