Bodhidharma Crossing the Yangzi on a Reed
1304
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Bodhidharma Crossing the Yangzi on a Reed is a 1304 unspecified by Unknown, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
A monk glides across a river on a single reed, his robe a few quick ink lines against blank paper. This is Bodhidharma, the Indian monk who brought Chan Buddhism to China. The artist left most of the scroll empty—just a few pale strokes to show the moment he left the emperor behind and headed north. The speed of the brushwork makes the reed feel like it’s really moving. If you like quiet, almost-empty paintings, look up *sfumato*.
Chan Buddhism was introduced to China in the early 500s by the Indian monk Bodhidharma, or Puti Damo (died before 534). Upon his arrival in China, Bodhidharma was allegedly granted an audience with the Liang dynasty emperor Wu (reigned 502–49). Realizing the emperor did not understand his mission, the monk left Nanjing, crossed the Yangzi on a reed, and settled north in Henan province’s Shaolin monastery. Here, Bodhidharma is sketched in few pale brushstrokes. The diluted and swift lines on an empty ground emphasize the Chan idea that all things are illusionary. The inscription reads: Wind…
Barefooted Bodhidharma sails across the Yangzi River balanced on a thin stalk of reed.
Read the full account in the museum source.
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