China, Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279) / 1100s
Portrait of Priest Dazhi (1048–1116), Master of Law
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Portrait of Priest Dazhi (1048–1116), Master of Law as painting (China, Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279) · 1100s).
A native of Hangzhou, the priest Dazhi was known for his eloquent exposition of Buddhist doctrines and for his success in winning many converts.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this painting as Hanging scroll; ink and light color on silk and credits Liu Tao (Chinese, late 1000s–early 1100s).
The museum's collection notes: Monk Yuanzhao, with the honorific title Dazhi Lüshi, Great Wisdom Master of Vinaya, is depicted here as an itinerant monk, holding his alms bowl in the left and staff in the right. In 1142, Emperor Gaozong had bestowed Yuanzhao with a posthumous title, mentioned in the inscription, which suggests that the portrait was made after the master’s death. A master of the Lü sect of Buddhism, with a calm benevolent smile on his face, Yuanzhao was active on Mount Tiantai and in Hangzhou. Later, Liu Tao, a southerner from Changxing, added the inscription. The eulogy reads: Dignified he is, perfect in his upasampada [ordination of a monk]. His appearanc
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtPortrait of Priest Dazhi (1048–1116), Master of LawOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.