Bodhidharma under the Bodhi Tree, Hanging Scroll
Luo Pin
Qing Dynasty
- MEDIUM:Ink and color on paper
- FORMATS:Hanging scroll
- DIMENSIONS:Height 124 cm; Width 28.5 cm
Introduction
Although Luo Pin was renowned for his ghost paintings, he was also adept at Buddhist imagery, influenced by his teacher Jin Nong’s Buddhist thought. In his later years, he led a life detached from fame and wealth, adopting various monastic titles, including “Monk of the Flower Temple” and “Under the White Robe.” This work, created in his late period, depicts Bodhidharma, the founder of Chinese Chan (Zen) Buddhism, seated in meditation beneath the Bodhi tree. The vibrant red of Bodhidharma’s robes contrasts elegantly with the pale green of the Bodhi leaves, creating a harmonious visual interplay. Facial features and expressions are rendered with meticulous detail, conveying serenity and spiritual depth.
The Qing seal engraver Guo Lin praised Luo Pin for his disciplined approach to painting Buddhist figures. This work was formerly in the collection of the monk and collector Da Shou, who left his seal on the piece. The renowned modern scholar Xu Bangda also owned and marked the painting with his seal.
