Artwork Page for Bodhidharma Meditating Facing a Cliff

Details / Information for Bodhidharma Meditating Facing a Cliff

Bodhidharma Meditating Facing a Cliff

late 1200s

China, Song dynasty

(960-1279)
Medium
Hanging scroll; ink on silk
Measurements
Painting only: 116.5 x 46.4 cm (45 7/8 x 18 1/4 in.); Overall with knobs: 203.2 x 63.5 cm (80 x 25 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1972.41
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
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Did You Know?

Rough and calligraphic brushwork for landscape and drapery contrasts with more psychologically penetrating representation of the two protagonists' faces.

Description

Bodhidharma is the legendary founder of Chan (Zen) Buddhism in China. Here he is seen meditating in front of a cliff, atop Mount Song. Behind him is his disciple Huike, the first recipient of his teaching.
A hanging scroll depicts a vertical cliff on our right, with gnarled brushstrokes in monochrome ink conveying branches and a red seal. Seated on a rounded rock below, a hooded figure faces the cliff. Behind them on our left, a smaller figure is portrayed through brief brushstrokes. The silk painting is mounted on green textile with circular motifs, with two hanging strips at the top and a wooden roller at the base.

Bodhidharma Meditating Facing a Cliff

late 1200s

China, Song dynasty (960-1279)

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