Dharma
18th-19th century
Hokusai brings Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, to life with wild, energetic brushstrokes that make his tattered robes look like they're dancing in a storm. The fierce, wide-eyed stare and massive, hairy arms give this legendary figure a raw, almost supernatural power, standing starkly against a sparse pine tree. This isn't the peaceful meditation image you might expect; it's a dynamic, almost monstrous portrayal that shows Hokusai's incredible range beyond his famous Great Wave prints. He often depicted Dharma as a rugged, intense character, reflecting the intense discipline of Zen practice.
- Technique
- Ink on paper
- Material
- Paper