China, Song dynasty (960-1279) / late 1200s
Bodhidharma Meditating Facing a Cliff
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Bodhidharma Meditating Facing a Cliff as painting (China, Song dynasty (960-1279) · late 1200s).
Rough and calligraphic brushwork for landscape and drapery contrasts with more psychologically penetrating representation of the two protagonists' faces.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this painting as Hanging scroll; ink on silk.
The museum's collection notes: Bodhidharma is the legendary founder of Chan (Zen) Buddhism in China. Here he is seen meditating in front of a cliff, atop Mount Song. Behind him is his disciple Huike, the first recipient of his teaching.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtBodhidharma Meditating Facing a CliffOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.