Bodhidharma, Zen Buddhist patriarch

This painting depicts the Zen Buddhist patriarch, Bodhidharma, in a few strokes of ink, accompanied by an inscription by the artist. The expression of the monk is somewhat humorous, rather than severe.

Maker(s)
Artist: Nakahara Nantenbō 中原南天棒 (1839-1925)
Historical period(s)
Taisho era, ca. 1920
Medium
Ink on paper
Dimensions
H x W (image): 129.5 × 33.5 cm (51 × 13 3/16 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
Gift of Alice Yelen and Dr. Kurt Gitter
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Accession Number
F1992.29a-c
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Painting
Type

Hanging scroll

Keywords
Bodhidharma, Buddhism, Japan, kakemono, Taisho era (1912 - 1926), Zen Buddhism
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Description

This painting depicts the Zen Buddhist patriarch, Bodhidharma, in a few strokes of ink, accompanied by an inscription by the artist. The expression of the monk is somewhat humorous, rather than severe.

Inscription(s)

Inscription by the artist. Three seals.

Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
SI Usage Statement

Usage Conditions Apply

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