Antique Japanese Hanging Scroll: ‘Red Bodhidharma_Daruma’ | KAKEJIKU Buddist Art

Dimensions: 69-0”l x 22-0”w

Offered is an authentic work of art that stimulates the viewer and encourages cultural understanding. This is a Kakejiku made at the Horinji Temple, belonging to the Rinzai Zen sect in Kyoto and the artist is unknown although the piece has the Hanko of both the artist and the previous owners. Daruma,(the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of the Sanskrit Bodhidharma) was among the most common subjects for Zen monk-painters. Usually, the Buddhist saint is presented in a three-quarters profile, or in a full-frontal view as rendered in this ink-on-paper scroll, and mounted as a scroll using gold-threaded brocade borders. There is the title of the piece and the monk's name at the top right. 

This drawing shows an outline of Daruma’s cranium, from the side of his head to the curve of the nostril, which is skillfully rendered in multiple strokes giving the appropriate rendition—a trademark of many later ink renditions of the monk by other artists. The facial expression is beautifully captured. The elongated earlobe and hoop earring serves as a signal of a connection to the historic Buddha, who was born into a royal family, and thus wore jewelry, but later discarded as being ostentiatious by this religious monk. The outlines of the robes are rendered boldly brushed and finished in a bright vermillion. The figure of the master is left mostly in reserve except for his trimmed hair and beard with his typical and recognizable compassionate face holding a Hossu (fly whisk).  

The flat wooden bar at the top, (stave), is covered in silk; and the bottom round bar, (jiku) is also covered in silk and with black lacquered wood caps, showing the two original ceramic Daruma scroll weights, (fuchin) with tassels. The artist is unidentified. The scroll comes in its Kiriwood box for storage.

Condition: Excellent meaning that the piece retains its original craft/workmanship showing a wonderful-developed patina commensurate which suggests a degree of wear that corresponds to its vintage. Refer to the listing photos. The piece meets all the standards of the collectible religious Kankijiku.