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Master Zhongfeng Mingben
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Master Zhongfeng Mingben
CHINA; Yuan dynasty (1271–1368); By Yi'an; Hanging scroll; Ink and color on silk; 122 x 54.5 cm; Kogenji Temple, Tamba, Hyogo, Japan
In the 14th century, when the Japanese monk Enkei Soosu was preparing to return to Japan from China, he was given this portrait as a farewell gift from his teacher, Master Zhongfeng Mingben. The picture was listed as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1911. Zhongfeng Mingben was a National Master during the Yuan dynasty. He learned the Dharma from Gaofeng Yuanmiao and spent many years as a wandering monk, going by the name of Huanzhu (Illusory Abiding) and teaching a diverse group of students from several different countries including Korea, Vietnam, and Japan.
Zhongfeng sits in a chair with his legs tucked up beneath his robe and his hands forming the dhyana (meditation) mudra. He has a round face, dark hair, and a robust build. The inscription at the top of the painting was written by Zhongfeng. |
