Kogakuji Temple: Bodhidharma
Ink and color on silk
Kogakuji Temple: Bodhidharma
JAPAN, Yamanashi, Enzan; Kamakura period
This painting is representative of similar portrayals of Bodhidharma in Japan and was one of the earlier works styled after Song dynasty (960–1279) paintings. There is an inscription at the top written by Master Lanxi Daolong, the founder of the Kenchoji Temple in Kanagawa. In 1953, it was listed as a National Treasure.
The painting depicts Bodhidharma, dressed in a hooded red robe, sitting on a rock. He has a distinctly non-Chinese appearance, with blue eyes, a thick beard, and a partly opened mouth. The blank background emphasizes the central figure. Fine brushtrokes are used to realistically depict the facial features. Short, jagged brush strokes are used to portray the rough surface of the rocks.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Painting I-O, page 442.
Cite this article:
author = Hsingyun and Youheng and Youlu and Wilson, Graham and Manho and Mankuang and Huntington, Susan,
booktitle = {Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Painting I-O},
pages = 442,
title = {{Kogakuji Temple: Bodhidharma}},
volume = 15,
year = {2016}}