Daruma
by Hayashi Ekyo (1896-1979)
No dependance of words or letters,
A separate teaching outside the established transmission. Respectfully brushed by Hanazono* Maiju * Another name for Myoshin-ji.
The inscription is the first half of Daruma's motto summing up the essence of Zen. (The second half of the verse is: "[Zen] points directly to the human heart/See into your nature and become Buddha!") This style of Daruma is based on the famous portrait by the Chinese master Mu Ch'i in the thirteenth century, but Ekyo puts his own spin on the Grand Patriarch's form. Daruma seems to be looking over his shoulder, glaring at those Zen students who are hesitant or lacking in perseverance. The brushwork in this piece is clear and lucid. When Ekyo was Zen master at Myoshin-ji, where this Daruma was painted, he was reputed to have been an especially stern teacher—Ekyo once chased a recalcitrant monk out of the monastery and pushed him down a hill—but his brushwork has a gentle, elegant, and refined quality to it.
About the Artist
Ekyo was ordained a monk at the age of ten and then trained at Myoshi-ji under Hiramoto Tokuju. He served as Abbot of Myoshin-ji Monastery for twenty years, and then in 1950 Ekyo became Primate (kansho) of the Tofuku-ji branch of Rinzai Zen. He produced many works of Zen art, specializing in paintings of Daruma and Kannon.
Other Scrolls by Hayashi Ekyo:
Calligraphy
Direct Mind Calligraphy
SCROLL DETAILS
- Price: SOLD
- Scroll Notes:
Original mounting, good condition, cardboard box. Nice white paper, light blue mounting, deep ink tones.
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Dimensions (inches): 15.50" (width) x 65.00" (height)
- Purchase Reference Number: 14
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