Daruma
by Reikai Genyu (1877-1946)
Verdant bamboo among the haze; blue mountains set in the lush greeen. (signed) Reikai, Man of the Way
Nice, expressive Daruma with the original mounting, in natural condition, somewhat darkened by age. The inscription indentifies Daruma (Zen) with the beauty of (Buddha) nature.
About the Artist
Reikai was a Soto Zen monk, abbot of Ryoun-ji in the hot spring town of Hanamaki in Iwate Prefecture in northern Japan. Like many Soto Zen priests, Reikai was a good scholar but he was also a talented artist. After his temple burned down, Reikai began brushing Darumas to raise money for rebuilding. (He also did portraits of Kannon, Goddess of Compassion, and a few of Hotei, the vagabond Zen master.) Reikai used a different inscription for each his Darumas, which is highly unusual and very creative. Reikai's Zen paintings are distinctive, suffused with warmth and humor. His work is among the most distinctive of twentieth-century Zen artists.
Other Scrolls by Reikai Genyu:
Daruma
Magic Mallet
Daruma
Daruma
Daruma
Daruma
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