Artwork Page for Bodhidharma Crossing the Yangzi on a Reed

Details / Information for Bodhidharma Crossing the Yangzi on a Reed

Bodhidharma Crossing the Yangzi on a Reed

蘆葉達磨圖

1300s

China, Yuan dynasty

(1271-1368)
Medium
hanging scroll; ink on paper
Measurements
Painting only: 91.1 x 36.5 cm (35 7/8 x 14 3/8 in.); Overall: 175 x 38.5 cm (68 7/8 x 15 3/16 in.); Overall with knobs: 175 x 43 cm (68 7/8 x 16 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1964.44
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

Barefooted Bodhidharma sails across the Yangzi River balanced on a thin stalk of reed.

Description

Chan Buddhism was introduced to China in the early 500s by the Indian monk Bodhidharma, or Puti Damo (died before 534). Upon his arrival in China, Bodhidharma was allegedly granted an audience with the Liang dynasty emperor Wu (reigned 502–49). Realizing the emperor did not understand his mission, the monk left Nanjing, crossed the Yangzi on a reed, and settled north in Henan province’s Shaolin monastery. Here, Bodhidharma is sketched in few pale brushstrokes. The diluted and swift lines on an empty ground emphasize the Chan idea that all things are illusionary.

The inscription reads: Wind rises from the reed flowers, the waves are high; It’s a long way to go beyond the cliff of the Shaoshi mountain; Above the worlds of kalpas a flower is opening into five petals; So that your barefoot heels are just fine for the whipping rattans. —translated by Wai-Kam Ho
A hanging scroll in black ink depicts Bodhidharma, a man with light skin tone, a bald head, and a full beard. Facing left, he wears a voluminous robe and stands on a thin reed. Above him, vertical columns of calligraphy and two red seals occupy the upper section. The composition is framed by patterned brown and salmon fabric borders with a cream-colored mounting.

Bodhidharma Crossing the Yangzi on a Reed

1300s

China, Yuan dynasty (1271-1368)

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