Hokyoji Temple: Master Dogen

JAPAN, Fukui, Ono; Kamakura period

This is an image of Master Dogen, founder of the Soto school, at the age of 50. In 1223 of the Kamakura period, Dogen traveled to China to visit Chan monasteries and to learn the Dharma. After returning to Japan, Dogen founded Eiheiji Temple in Fukei and promoted the teaching of Soto Zen, which advocates “shikantaza,” sitting constantly in silence. The postscript in the upper register was written by Dogen in 1249.
This half-length image, different from the usual full-length images of Zen monks, portrays Dogen seated on a high back chair with his hands hidden within his sleeves and resting on his knees. Dogen has his head partially turned and gazes up to the left. The clothing and the high back chair are colored in black, while the face and the hem of the robe are painted in pale colors. The delicately painted facial expression conveys the dignity and reserve of an eminent monk.