Bodhidharma

The subject of this painting is Bodhidharma, the Indian patriarch of Zen Buddhism. In a highly simplified style using only a few brush strokes, the artist Fūgai Eikun, has sketched the head and shoulders of Bodhidharma, giving emphasis to his penetrating gaze.

Maker(s)
Artist: Fūgai Eikun 風外慧薫 (1568-1654)
Historical period(s)
Edo period, 17th century
Medium
Ink on paper
Dimensions
H x W (image): 39.8 × 50.8 cm (15 11/16 × 20 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
Gift of Peggy and Richard Danziger in honor of Kurt Gitter
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Accession Number
F1997.12
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
Provenance research underway.
Description

The subject of this painting is Bodhidharma, the Indian patriarch of Zen Buddhism. In a highly simplified style using only a few brush strokes, the artist Fūgai Eikun, has sketched the head and shoulders of Bodhidharma, giving emphasis to his penetrating gaze.

Published References
  • Paths to Perfection, Buddhist Art at the Freer/Sackler. Washington. p. 15, fig. 10.
Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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