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Bodhidharma, Fenggan, and Budai
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Bodhidharma, Fenggan, and Budai
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Bodhidharma, Fenggan, and Budai
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Bodhidharma, Fenggan, and Budai
CHINA; Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279); Attributed to Li Que; Ink on paper; Myoshinji Temple, Kyoto, Japan
This is a set of three paintings depicting Bodhidharma, Budai, and Fenggan. Although inscriptions attribute two of the pictures to Li Que, an artist active during the rule of Emperor Lizong (reigned 1224-1264), there are slight differences in the style and techniques used in all three paintings. In the picture of Bodhidharma, only his head and shoulders are visible, while the other two figures are shown in full. Pieces of paper were added to the top and bottom of the artwork to extend its length to match that of the other two. The set was listed as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1912.
Bodhidharma, shown in the middle painting, has a broad forehead, a tightly closed mouth, and vivid, expressive eyes that are turned upwards, suggesting deep insight and determination. He is partly bald, with curly hair, a beard, and a mustache. The earrings and eyes are outlined in dark ink. The forehead, facial features, beard, and hair are drawn in light ink. Sparse, carefree flying white" brushstrokes |
