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Title

The Buddhist monk Bodhidharma

18th century

Artists

Unknown Artist

Alternate image of The Buddhist monk Bodhidharma by

  • Details

    Other Title
    Buddha (seated with two attendants in front of him and palm trees behind)
    Place where the work was made
    China
    Period
    Ming dynasty 1368 - 1644 → China
    Qing dynasty 1644 - 1911 → China
    Date
    18th century
    Media categories
    Scroll , Painting
    Materials used
    hanging scroll; ink and colour on silk
    Dimensions
    160.0 x 90.5 cm image; 239.3 x 123.0 cm scroll
    Signature & date

    Not signed. Not dated.

    Credit
    Gift of Professor Waterhouse 1957
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    9323
    Copyright

    Reproduction requests

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  • About

    The monk Bodhidharma, known in Chinese as Damo and in Japanese as Daruma, lived in the fifth or sixth century. Though little is known about him, Bodhidharma is thought to have introduced Chan (Zen in Japanese) Buddhism to China when he travelled there from Central Asia or India. Legend also associates him with instigating martial arts training at China’s Shaolin monastery.

    Bodhidharma is recognised by his red robe and extended earlobes with hoop earrings, as well as his beard and prominent nose. Here, surrounded by a halo, he is shown seated on a throne while two Chinese attendants present offerings.

  • Places

    Where the work was made

    China

  • Exhibition history

    Shown in 2 exhibitions

  • Provenance

    E. G. Waterhouse Collection, Apr 1957, Australia, donated to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 1957.